Anderson School District Two is excited to announce Chad Roper as the new head baseball coach at Belton-Honea Path High School.
“BHP has just been a special place to me and to my family,” said Roper. “It’s what we consider home and for this opportunity to come up is a blessing number one and an honor to be chosen as the next head baseball coach at a school that I admire dearly.”
"BHP is excited about our new baseball coach, Chad Roper,” added Athletic Director Jody LeCroy. “He is a great fit for BHP and the Belton-Honea Path Community and we look forward to having him lead our baseball program. It is a 'HOMERUN HIRE' for BHP."
Roper, a Belton native, played baseball at Belton-Honea Path High School. He was drafted in the second round of the MLB Draft and played professional baseball for roughly 10 years.
Following his professional career, Roper remained close to the sport and has dedicated his time to positively impacting the lives of young athletes. He has helped coach baseball and softball at BHP as well as travel softball and baseball. Most recently, he was the head baseball coach at Ware Shoals High School where he led the team to an undefeated region championship.
“I’m a big proponent of coaching kids and not necessarily the sport,” said Roper. “I’m looking forward to making a difference in kids' lives along with teaching them the game. But for me, looking at success, it’s creating good kids, good culture, and setting them up to be successful well beyond playing a sport. That means as much or more to me as a coach than just wins and losses.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Coach Roper back to the Bear community,” said Principal Mary Boarts. “This is where he started his baseball career, so it is more than fitting to bring him back as the Varsity Head Baseball Coach. We are excited to see how he leads our Baseball program in the years to come.”