Coppin Golf Classic Celebrates Student-Athletes and Eagle Athletics

The annual event welcomed 128 golfers and 70 volunteers and staff for a day celebrating Coppin Athletics and its student-athletes.

BALTIMORE — Coppin State University’s 2026 Golf Classic welcomed 128 golfers to Turf Valley Resort on Oct. 1 for a day of competition, connection and celebration of Coppin Athletics.

For more than two decades, the annual event has helped enhance the academic and athletic experience of Coppin student-athletes. Proceeds from the Golf Classic support student-athlete resources, facility improvements and the athletics program.

70 volunteers and staff supported this year’s event, while student-athletes played an active role throughout the day.

“Your commitment to Coppin is something that has allowed us to continue to elevate over the last six years. That work takes a team effort, and today we get to go to another level because of supporters like you,” said Coppin State University President Anthony Jenkins.

For Coppin Athletics, the Classic also provides a chance to connect directly with alumni, partners and others invested in the success of its programs.

“The Golf Classic is an important opportunity to bring our supporters together around our student-athletes and the future of Coppin Athletics,” said Derek Carter, Coppin State University director of athletics. “The support we receive through this event helps us continue creating opportunities for our students to succeed academically, compete at a high level and have a strong overall experience at Coppin.”

Student-athletes had a visible presence throughout the Classic, giving alumni and supporters an opportunity to meet some of the students representing Coppin in competition and in the classroom.

This year’s event also highlighted Coppin’s new men’s and women’s NCAA golf teams, which began their inaugural seasons this fall.

“Being a part of the Coppin State golf team means so much to me, as it is our inaugural season, it's just a wonderful opportunity to be able to get out and showcase what we can do,” said Jordan Kyle, a member of the women’s golf team.

The cheer team and Jackson, Coppin’s mascot, greeted golfers throughout the course, while the Golf Cannon was one of the day’s popular attractions. Participants also had a chance to win a grand prize raffle sponsored by the Pendry.

Golfers competed for a $10,000 prize in the Hole-in-One Challenge, but no one claimed the prize this year.

Following play, Mister and Miss Coppin hosted the awards program, recognizing participants and those who helped make the event possible.

The Classic also gave returning alumni an opportunity to reconnect with Coppin. Walter McNeil, a 1990 graduate and former Coppin baseball player, reflected on the role the university played in his life.

“I went to Coppin State University and played on the baseball team, and now I'm a CEO of my own program. All that I have now, I owe it to Coppin,” McNeil said.

Coppin State University also thanks the sponsors, partners, volunteers and supporters whose contributions helped make this year’s Golf Classic possible. Top sponsors included BGE, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Dean Harrison, Peabody Press, Pendry and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Coppin Golf Classic has raised several hundred thousand dollars through sponsorships and player support over its more than two-decade history. This year’s event brought alumni, community members and other supporters together with Coppin student-athletes while helping support the future of Coppin Athletics.