Oct. 8, 2007

Fullerton, Calif. - Former U.S. Military Academy coach and University of Alabama hurdler Brandit Copper today was appointed an assistant track and field coach at Cal State Fullerton.

Copper replaces Kenny McDaniel, who moved to a similar position at Arizona State in August.

Copper was at West Point for two seasons, working with the men's intermediate hurdlers and the women's sprinters as well as all of the relay teams. She previously spent a 9-month stint as a volunteer assistant coach at Florida.

A 2000 graduate of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Copper earned a bachelors degree in communication studies. While a member of the Crimson Tide track and field team, she qualified for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter hurdles and placed sixth in the 60-meter hurdles at the 1999 NCAA Indoor Championships. At one time she was ranked No. 5 in the world in the women's 55-meter hurdles.

Copper is a USATF Level 2 certified coach. A Philadelphia native, she attended Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, for two years. She earned NJCAA All-America honors in the 100-meter hurdles, 60-meter hurdles, long jump, triple jump and 4x400 meter relay in the 1998 indoor season. She added NJCAA All-America certificates in the 100-meter hurdles and long jump during the 1998 outdoor season.