Cooper Samples is the Graduate Assistant Catching Coordinator for the Valdosta State baseball program. He is from Valdosta, Georgia, and earned his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Valdosta State in 2025, with minors in Health and Fitness and Coaching. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Valdosta State.
Samples has been part of the Valdosta State baseball program since 2023. He previously worked as a Student Assistant Baseball Coach before taking on his current role. As the Graduate Assistant Catching Coordinator, he closely works with the Blazers' catchers on receiving, blocking, throwing, leadership, communication, and managing the bullpen. He also helps with hitting development, daily practice planning, game preparation, scouting, and player development. He uses Rapsodo, video, and other performance data to help athletes improve.
Besides his work with the Blazers, Samples has coaching experience at the collegiate summer and high-level travel baseball levels. He was an assistant coach with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes of the Prospect League and coached 18U travel baseball with Next Level Baseball, where he was part of the 2024 Perfect Game BCS championship team. His travel coaching experience helped him build recruiting connections throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
As a former collegiate catcher at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Samples brings firsthand experience in pitcher communication, game calling, defensive leadership, and managing a pitching staff. He is Rapsodo certified and is passionate about catching development and helping student-athletes grow both on and off the field.
