After 24 years leading the varsity girls’ basketball program, Brian Koopman will return as head coach for the 2025-26 season at Reed City High School.

For the past few seasons, Koopman served as an assistant under Brennan Walsh with the boys’ varsity program. He also coached at the junior varsity level for three years and the eighth-grade level for four years in Evart.

“The opportunity came up and I’ve always liked being a head coach,” Koopman said. “It’s cool coming back and (it’s) kind of a fresh start.”

Koopman was succeeded by Tim Beilfuss in 2019, who coached the Coyotes for the past six seasons before resigning this spring.

Athletic Director Ryan Hansen said Koopman’s long-tenured success was a primary reason for his selection.

According to Athletic Director Ryan Hansen, the long tenured success was a primary reason for selecting Koopman.

“Coach Koopman has a long history of success at Reed City High School, not only as a coach, but also as a teacher,” Hansen said. “He has given 30-plus years to the Reed City community in several ways. For the decades he has been coaching, one common trait stands out to me: the kids will run through a wall for him. He has great connections with our

Hansen added that there were many applicants for the job, but Koopman “clearly stood out.”

Reflecting on his time coaching since stepping away from Reed City, Koopman said he gained a new perspective on practices.

“I think a lot of the coaching has to be done in practice. The hard-core teaching is done in practice and in games, let them be kids,” Koopman said. “(These kids) are going to make mistakes. If they make a mistake on the defensive end, get back and play offense. If they make a mistake on the offensive end, get back and play defense.”

Koopman said he likes the talent on the roster and plans to adopt a fast, physical style of play, emphasizing man-to-man defense and transition offense. His goal for the team is simple: Make every game a battle.

“I want teams to know when they play Reed City, it’s gonna be a battle. Win or lose. If we play hard, play our best, and still lose, that’s on me. I want the kids to buy into that.”

The Reed City girls’ varsity team finished 9-13 last season, including a 5-5 conference record. They will open the season at home against White Cloud on Dec. 9.