BLUEFIELD, VA – Bluefield University is excited to announce the appointment of Joseph Cooper as the new Head Coach of the Rams Men's Basketball program. Cooper joins the Bluefield family after an impressive tenure at High Point Christian Academy (HPCA), where he built one of the most competitive and respected basketball programs in the state of North Carolina.
Corey Mullins, Vice President of Athletics and Student Development, shared his enthusiasm for the hire:
"I couldn't be happier to welcome Joseph, Rilla, and the entire Cooper family to Bluefield University. In this search, we were looking for someone who had a commitment to Christ, proven leadership, and a desire to see Men's Basketball play a role in developing young men for success in life.
What Coach Cooper has done at High Point Christian Academy is impressive. Competing in one of the top high school leagues in the region, he has championed personal growth, academic excellence, and competitive greatness in his teams.
I am looking forward to working alongside Coach Cooper building a program that will make our community proud."
Cooper brings nearly two decades of coaching and teaching experience, marked by a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the court. At HPCA, he guided the Cougars to a 26-4 record in 2023-2024, a consistent Top 10 state ranking on MaxPreps, and three consecutive Final Four appearances. His teams have been known for their high-powered offense—finishing Top 5 statewide in scoring—and their academic success, with a team GPA exceeding 4.0. Cooper was named Coach of the Year for the Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem region and has mentored numerous NCAA-caliber athletes.
He has also served as department head, taught leadership and life skills courses, and was named Teacher of the Year in 2018-2019. Cooper holds a Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University–Irvine and a Bachelor's in History Education from The Ohio State University. He played collegiate basketball at Manchester College (IN), where he once led the state in scoring and participated in the prestigious NBA Top 100 Camp.
Beyond the court, Cooper is deeply involved in faith-based leadership. He founded the FCA chapter at HPCA, is active in All-Pro Dads, and brings a holistic approach to coaching that aligns perfectly with Bluefield's mission.
In his first statement as Head Coach, Cooper said:
"Bluefield University is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind place. My family is joyful at the opportunity to be a part of this Christian environment: amazing people, a stunning location, and a close-knit campus community! I am honored to be chosen to lead the men's basketball program. Thank you to Dr. Peterson and Coach Mullins. And thank you for already making my family and I feel like part of the BU 'Family.' It is such a great atmosphere.
We will strive to do whatever it takes to be successful on and off the court—Colossians 3:23. Go Rams, and we look forward to seeing you in the Dome!"
With a vision rooted in faith, excellence, and community, Coach Joseph Cooper is ready to take the court and write the next chapter in Bluefield University basketball history.
