OUR PEOPLE
Meet Justin Cooper, Shipley's Director of Athletics.
Justin Cooper
Director of Athletics
Role(s) at Shipley:
Director of Athletics & Head of Physical Education, Middle School Baseball CoachEducation:
B.S. Sport & Recreation Management, Temple University
M.A. Educational Leadership, Seton Hall UniversityPrior Professional Experience:
Director of Athletics/Dean of Students, Barrack Hebrew Academy, 2013-2021
Director of Athletics, Doane Academy, 2006-2013
| Outside groups or professional organizations to which you belong: |
| NIAAA, PSADA |
How and why did you get into athletics/coaching/training? |
| As part of my senior internship at Temple University, I spent time at the Perkiomen School in the Athletic Department and also coached basketball and baseball. I learned that I enjoyed connecting with student-athletes, providing them instruction, support, and guidance to reach their own potential. I was then hired as a PE Teacher and Assistant AD/Coach at Doane Academy. |
What is your coaching/teaching/professional philosophy or style? |
| My leadership and coaching style is an example. I aim to embody the mission and motto of the school through consistency and everyday interactions. Educators in the lives of the students are at the forefront when reinforcing the values of the program, and I believe strongly that recognizing individual worth, encouraging personal and team goals, and giving students the ability to help themselves and their teammates through adversity are key pillars to a strong athletic program. |
How would your student-athletes describe you? |
| Knowledgeable, caring, funny |
What is your goal for every student-athlete at Shipley? |
| To have a significant positive experience during their athletic career where they learned life lessons and have seen improvement to achieve whatever goals they have set out to accomplish. |
Do you have any sports heroes or inspirations? If so, who are they and why? |
My father and grandparents were always there supporting me through my own athletic endeavors. My baseball coach at the University of Tampa, Joe Urso, also helped shape how I coach and what it means to play and coach at high levels. |
What do you love about Shipley? |
| Shipley offers an amazing array of athletic opportunities and has caring and knowledgeable coaches and staff who truly want to see your growth and success. |
| What’s one fun fact about you? |
I enjoy listening to classical music - specifically Antonio Vivaldi. |