Derek Copeland Signs Contract Extension
April 22, 2022 | Rowing
LOUISVILLE --Â The University of Louisville Athletic Association voted to extend the contract of Cardinal rowing coach Derek Copeland at Friday's ULAA Board meeting. Copeland had his contract extended through the 2024-25 season.
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"Derek has been leading this program for a decade now and during that time our rowing program has made significant progress. He has created a culture that has maximized the talent on our roster. More importantly, our student-athletes have thoroughly enjoyed their time while competing for this program," said Louisville Interim Athletic Director Josh Heird.
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After two years as an assistant coach, he took over the helm in 2012 as just the fourth head coach of the Cardinal program. During Copeland's time as head coach, the Louisville rowing program earned its first NCAA Championship berth and won its first conference championship in 2014 while also producing a trio of All-Americans. The Cardinals have also registered more than a dozen CRCAÂ All-Conference and All-Region, close to 70 CRCA Scholar-Athletes and 20-plus All-Conference selections.
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"I feel that it has always been student-athlete first here at Louisville and the future looks bright," said Copeland. "I am grateful to be a part of this athletic department and want to continue to contribute to the vision. My family and I love this city and the University of Louisville. I appreciate the opportunity to stay here and continue to build a nationally competitive rowing program."
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Over the course of the program's time in the prestigious ACC, Louisville has finished sixth or better in each of the ACC Championship regattas. The Cardinals have produced almost a dozen All-ACC performers.  In 2018, Louisville added its first individual ACC honor as Violette Legrand was named as the league's Freshman of the Year. Last year, Birdie Maxwell as named as a Muhammad Ali Scholar and this year Michaela Dukes won an ACC Post Graduate Scholarship.
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"This program generates some amazing success stories. These athletes are very special and I am glad I will continue to witness their growth," said Copeland.
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"Derek has been leading this program for a decade now and during that time our rowing program has made significant progress. He has created a culture that has maximized the talent on our roster. More importantly, our student-athletes have thoroughly enjoyed their time while competing for this program," said Louisville Interim Athletic Director Josh Heird.
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After two years as an assistant coach, he took over the helm in 2012 as just the fourth head coach of the Cardinal program. During Copeland's time as head coach, the Louisville rowing program earned its first NCAA Championship berth and won its first conference championship in 2014 while also producing a trio of All-Americans. The Cardinals have also registered more than a dozen CRCAÂ All-Conference and All-Region, close to 70 CRCA Scholar-Athletes and 20-plus All-Conference selections.
Â
"I feel that it has always been student-athlete first here at Louisville and the future looks bright," said Copeland. "I am grateful to be a part of this athletic department and want to continue to contribute to the vision. My family and I love this city and the University of Louisville. I appreciate the opportunity to stay here and continue to build a nationally competitive rowing program."
Â
Over the course of the program's time in the prestigious ACC, Louisville has finished sixth or better in each of the ACC Championship regattas. The Cardinals have produced almost a dozen All-ACC performers.  In 2018, Louisville added its first individual ACC honor as Violette Legrand was named as the league's Freshman of the Year. Last year, Birdie Maxwell as named as a Muhammad Ali Scholar and this year Michaela Dukes won an ACC Post Graduate Scholarship.
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"This program generates some amazing success stories. These athletes are very special and I am glad I will continue to witness their growth," said Copeland.
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Players Mentioned
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