Ben Cooprider is an assistant athletic director and associate head baseball coach at Grinnell College.
In his 11th year at Grinnell, Ben has also served as an assistant football coach, coordinator of Athletic Facilities, director of NCAA compliance, and coordinator of Club Sports.
As assistant athletic director, Cooprider is responsible for the operations of the athletic department, including facilities, event management, compliance, club sports, athletic training, and equipment room.
Andy Hamilton ‘85, Grinnell’s Director of Athletics and Recreation notes, “over the past few years, everyone in our department has viewed Ben as a rising professional in the field," Hamilton continued. "Having him coordinate all of the NCAA compliance and continue doing facility and game management work fits well with his professional goals and our departmental needs. I am excited that Ben now has a chance to have a formal hand in our athletic administration.”
Serving as the primary hitting and third-base coach on the baseball field, the Pioneers have seen unprecedented success in the past nine seasons. They’ve made the MWC Tournament each year, finishing second three times on their way to winning an average of 20 games per season. Grinnell baseball has also had three All-Americans, 11 different players garnering All-Region awards, and multiple team and season records set in the past nine seasons.
Cooprider came to Grinnell from the University of St. Thomas where he was an assistant football coach in 2008 and from Pine Crest Preparatory School where he served as a proctor and three-sport coach in 2006-2007.
A Carleton College graduate and former two-sport collegiate athlete, Cooprider is married to Emily Kolbe ’07 and they live in Des Moines, IA.
