David Kopp

David Kopp is entering his fifth season with the University of Florida baseball program in 2025–26, having joined the staff in July 2021. Elevated to pitching coach in 2024 after three seasons as a volunteer assistant, Kopp has played a pivotal role in the Gators’ pitching success. Despite early-season challenges in 2025, his staff struck out 645 batters—the fifth-highest total in program history—while dramatically lowering their ERA in SEC play. Under his guidance, freshman standout Aidan King posted the lowest ERA by a Gator since 2018 and earned multiple SEC honors, while ace Liam Peterson emerged as a top MLB Draft prospect. Kopp’s first three years at UF also produced six MLB Draft picks, including first-rounders Jac Caglianone (2024) and Hurston Waldrep (2023). Before joining Florida, Kopp spent four seasons as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida Atlantic, where his staff produced multiple MLB Draft selections and helped secure a 2019 Conference USA Championship. He previously served as pitching coach at Florida Southern in 2017 and as a student assistant at Clemson in 2016, his alma mater. As a Clemson player, Kopp starred on three consecutive NCAA Super Regional teams, earning First Team All-ACC honors in 2007 before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round. He went on to pitch eight seasons professionally, including earning Texas League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2010. Kopp, who holds a degree in sports, recreation, and tourism management from Clemson, now resides in Gainesville with his wife, Jennifer.