AJ Schopp - Owner & Head Coach

Coach A.J. Schopp

3x NCAA All-American | D1 Coach | Developer of Champions for the Long Game

A.J. Schopp is one of the most accomplished wrestling minds in the country—a 3x NCAA Division I All-American, record-setting competitor, and veteran coach with nearly a decade of experience in the Big 10 and Big 12 conferences. He currently serves as the Head Assistant Coach at Edinboro University and is the founder of Gold Schopp Wrestling.

As a student-athlete at Edinboro, Schopp compiled a 133–17 career record—earning three All-American honors and capturing the NCAA’s prestigious Gorriaran Award for his dominant performances. His relentless top game and technical excellence made him one of the most feared 133-pounders in the country.

After graduating, Schopp spent close to 10 years coaching Division I wrestling at the highest level. At South Dakota State (Big 12), he helped guide the program to its first-ever NCAA Division I All-Americans in school history—including Seth Gross, who would go on to become an NCAA Champion and World Team member. At Purdue (Big Ten), Schopp played a major role in developing multiple NCAA All-Americans and national standouts, including Devin Schroder, Kendall Coleman, and Matt Ramos.

One of the most iconic moments of Schopp’s coaching career came in 2023, when Ramos shocked the wrestling world by pinning three-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee in the national semifinals—one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Wrestling history.

Now back in Pennsylvania, Coach Schopp leads Gold Schopp Wrestling with a clear mission: build sustainable, long-term success, not short-term hype. His coaching philosophy is centered around technical mastery, mental development, and a deep love for the sport. He’s passionate about keeping athletes in wrestling—not burning them out—and helping them grow through every phase of their journey.

Parents can feel confident that their children are learning from a coach who combines elite-level credentials, proven results, and a positive, forward-thinking approach. Whether your child is just starting out or chasing a college wrestling dream, Coach Schopp and Gold Schopp Wrestling are here to guide them—step by step—toward their fullest potential.