Just one year ago, the Surf Club made history for Stetson by winning the university’s first-ever East Coast Championship title in the National Scholastic Surfing Association, Men’s division. It was the first surfing championship for the student-run club’s non-scholarship Competition Team.

Now, the Surf Club has done it again — a second collegiate surfing title in Stetson history.

Further, last year’s star did it again.

After Braeden Kopec won the event last year, he looked to bring home a repeat performance. Mission accomplished in April at New Smyrna Beach, a  location that has provided the sophomore with 12 NSSA championship wins over the years. In all, the recent win brings his overall championship titles’ count to 22.

As a first-year student in 2025, Kopec became president of the Stetson Surf Club and relaunched the Competition Team, which had been mostly dormant for decades. Also, he was captain of the team and coached club members during the season at several events that led up to the championship.

And, aside from Kopec’s own performance, the team fared well, with sophomore Noah Lombardo pulling double-duty by surfing in both the Men’s Shortboard and Open Longboard divisions. He was joined by sophomore Jacob Bradner in Men’s Shortboard and junior Camden Claudio in Women’s Shortboard.

“Our team performed great all season, and I’m very proud of everyone’s efforts. We’ve accomplished a lot in a short period of time!” said Kopec, who entered Stetson in the Honors Program and is a Stetson Presidential Fellow, as well as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He is pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Professional Sales.

The win qualified Kopec for two national events in California this summer: the NSSA College National Championships at Salt Creek and the USA Surfing National Championships in Oceanside.

Kopec partially credits a home-course advantage for his success.

“New Smyrna is sort of my second ‘home break,’ and I’ve been competing there since I was very young,” he commented. “I know this wave really well, and I’ve had a good run at this location over the years. It’s an honor to bring Stetson its second title in just two years.”

Also, he added, there is more to come in the future for the Surf Club.

“I’m really having a blast with the club and team!” Kopec concluded. “We are doing great things in the water and in the community. I’m already looking forward to next year!”

Note: For more about Braeden Kopec and the Stetson Surf Club, them on Instagram: @braedenkopec  @stetsonsurfclub