Coach Ben Waldrop
Ben is an alumnus of Pensacola High School. During high school, Ben helped the Pensacola Tigers to a Final Four finish in Florida’s largest classification during the fall of 1996. Ben led Escambia County in tackles for 2 seasons and was recognized for the following awards: Pensacola News Journal All-Big Six, All-Northwest Florida, FACA All-District, Florida Sports Writers Association All-State, and FACA All-State. Ben was honored as the All-Northwest Florida Defensive Player of the Year and played in the FACA state all-star game.
Ben continued his athletic career and played 2 seasons at Florida State University and 2 seasons at Troy University. During those seasons, Ben was a member of 2 ACC Championships, 1 Southland League Championship, a Sugar Bowl victory and he also played in the first ever BCS National Championship game, which was held at the Fiesta Bowl. Ben’s greatest collegiate accomplishment was finishing 3rd on the team in tackles during Troy University’s first year in FBS, which was during the 2001 season.
Coach Waldrop began his coaching career at Troy University, where he coached from 2003-2005, starting as a Graduate Assistant and eventually Linebackers Coach. During that time, Troy University earned the school’s first ever bowl appearance at the 2004 Silicon Valley Football Classic. Ben transitioned into high school coaching in 2006, where he has remained until today. From 2006 until present, Ben has been coaching in Brevard County, FL and has held various positions on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Ben has held the titles of Defensive Coordinator for 11 seasons, Offensive Coordinator for 1 season, and Head Coach for 4 seasons. During his high school coaching tenure, Ben has helped coach 8 District Championship teams, 12 playoff appearances and 1 Region Championship appearance. Ben has coached at Merritt Island High, Viera High, Rockledge High, Merritt Island Christian, and is currently entering his 3rd season as the Head Coach for Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School. Cocoa Beach has improved from 1-9 in the 2021 season to a 6-3 record for the 2022 season and earned an SSAC Atlantic League playoff appearance.
Ben is married to Aprille Roberts and they have 4 children, Brennan (15), Josiah (8), Audrey (5) and Gabriella (3). Ben is an active member of The Pointe Church and the FCA sponsor. Ben has 2 Cocoa Beach alumni in his family, Andrew Roberts (2002) who serves as a pastor in Jacksonville, FL and Adam Roberts (2005) who serves as a Major in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.