At 5:30 a.m., the Stetson campus is shrouded in darkness. Most students are still asleep, but Braeden Kopec is getting ready for the day ahead.

As the sun begins to rise, he heads to the beach, ready to catch some waves before his classes begin.

For Kopec, 18, balancing life as a professional surfer and a full-time student at Stetson isn’t possible — it’s his reality. The daily challenges he faces contribute to making his journey an extraordinary one.

By mid-morning, after his surfing session at Ponce Inlet, he’s headed to class, navigating business courses and honors classes — all while maintaining an impressive 3.7 GPA.

“I’m constantly moving between the surf and the classroom,” he said. “Stetson has really helped me navigate the demands of my sport while staying on top of my studies. There’s a strong sense of community here, and the support I’ve received has made it possible to manage everything.”

Kopec and His Connection to the Ocean

Kopec’s connection to the ocean began long before he could even paddle out on his own.

His father, Brian Kopec, introduced him to surfing when he was only 2 years old, and by the time he was 3-and-a-half years old, he already was competing in his first surfing competition.

Now, as a first-year student at Stetson, he not only is making waves in the surfing world, but also excelled as a Business Administration major during his first semester as a Hatter. Now, in his second semester, Kopec has made the decision to switch majors and is looking forward to pursuing his bachelor degree as a Professional Sales major.

“I think that will be very useful in the surf industry,” he said. “The skills I learned last semester are critical for business success. However, sales and surfing go hand in hand, and the classes that are offered here at Stetson will prepare me for my future career.”

In recent competitions, Kopec has proved himself to be a force on the East Coast and at the national level. He has clinched 20 East Coast Championship titles over the years and set a record at the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s Open Men division by winning the division three years in a row.  Kopec capped off his amateur career with two national championship titles in California before coming to Stetson to start his college education in the Fall 2024 semester. He was named to USA Surfing’s Junior Team five years in a row.

“I want to have a long-term career, both in and out of the sport,” Kopec said. “I’m here at Stetson because I see this as a place where I can develop both my athletic and business careers.”

After his arrival to Stetson, Kopec was elected president of the Stetson Surf Club and captain of the club’s competition team — Stetson’s first competitive surf team in decades.

Kopec, a presidential fellow at Stetson, is working to foster a supportive community of surfers on campus. His leadership in the club reflects the collaborative and inclusive environment Stetson encourages among its students.

“We’re all about supporting each other, both on and off the surfboard,” he said. “This is a place where people can come together, whether they’re competitive surfers or just learning. It’s about building something bigger than just surfing — it’s about being part of a community.”

Life Lessons Learned

Surfing has taught Kopec more than just how to ride the waves — it’s instilled a sense of resilience and focus that has shaped his approach to both school and leadership.

As he balances his academic responsibilities with his surfing career, Kopec draws on the lessons he’s learned from years of competition. Whether it’s staying organized, prioritizing tasks or persevering through challenges, the skills he has developed in the water have helped him succeed at Stetson.

“Surfing has really taught me how to stay calm under pressure,” he said. “I’ve learned how to juggle my time between school and surfing, and it’s something that’s made me better at both. It’s all about finding that balance.”

And, as Kopec continues to excel both in the classroom and in the surf, his advice to prospective students is simple but powerful.

“Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams,” he said. “Stetson gives you the support to balance both your academic goals and your passions. Whatever your dream is, go for it — Stetson will help you get there.”

– Charlie Nichols