It is with great pleasure that Valor Christian Athletics announces the return of Greg Coplen as the new Head Coach of the Valor Christian Cross Country and Distance Running program.

Coach Greg Coplen brings more than 15 years of high school cross country and distance coaching experience, along with a remarkable record of program building, athlete development, and competitive success. During his previous tenure at Valor Christian, he transformed the program from a small and relatively unestablished group into one of the premier distance programs in Colorado and the nation, growing participation from fewer than 20 athletes to more than 75 and leading teams and individuals to state championships, national rankings, and All-State honors. He was named the 2020 High School National Coach of the Year by MileSplit USA, and his teams consistently demonstrated both depth and excellence at the highest levels. In addition to his success at Valor Christian, Greg has continued to build and lead a thriving program at Chaparral High School while also serving in pastoral leadership, bringing a rare blend of competitive expertise, mentorship, and long-term developmental vision to the role.

Coach Coplen is passionate not only about developing excellent runners, but also about helping young men and women grow in their faith, identity, and purpose in Christ. A longtime pastor, worship leader, and former Campus Chaplain at Valor Christian, Greg sees athletics as a powerful setting for discipleship, character formation, and deeper relationship with Jesus. He desires to build a Christ-centered program where Scripture, prayer, encouragement, accountability, and meaningful relationships are woven into the daily life of the team. His coaching reflects a deep commitment to seeing each athlete feel known, valued, challenged, and loved, and he consistently points students beyond performance and toward an identity rooted in Christ. Greg's heart is to lead a program that pursues excellence in competition while also forming young people who honor Jesus in the way they train, compete, and care for one another.

Please join me us welcoming Greg Coplen, our new Head Cross Country and Distance Running Coach!