A star tailback from the dominant squads at Lane High School, Copeland chose to stay home and traveled across town to Grounds in the fall of 1973. He made an immediate impact, rushing for 700 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman, both team highs, and averaging over five yards per carry. Copeland would finish the season with three 100 yard games, and six for his career. By the time he graduated Copeland amassed over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.

Following his playing career, Copeland devoted his life to teaching, leading, and mentoring others. He began at the prestigious Stony Brook School on Long Island and moved through the ranks as a teacher, dorm parent, coach, chaplain, and administrator. He then returned home to serve as Headmaster at The Covenant School where he continued to pour into the lives and development of young people, faculty, and their families. In 2006 Copeland became Lead Pastor at Christ Community Church, a role he held until 2017. Under this calling he preached to his congregation, mentored men, led premarital and marital counseling, and officiated countless weddings and funerals for those in his church and our community.