Our Trainers
Coach Denzel
Denzel Copeland, Founder and CEO of Applied Pressure (AP) Performance Training was born & raised in Santa Clara County. This is where he found his passion for sports, fitness, and coaching. At a very young age, he began to explore his interests in multiple sports; including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track & field, etc. Playing sports as a child equipped him with many physical, emotional, and interpersonal benefits; such as proper motor skills development (coordination), social skills development, and most importantly self-confidence. Ultimately, he gravitated more towards basketball where he produced the most success. Luckily, he had the pleasure of playing at multiple levels of basketball ranging from YMCA youth camps to National Junior Basketball, to more competitive play in Amateur Athletic Union, Varsity High School Athletics, Collegiate NCAA, and Semi-Professional ABA.
He attended Santa Teresa High School in San Jose, California, where he played three years of varsity basketball, winning CCS championship in his Senior Year, as well as medaling in cross country and track & field. He served as a Captain and Starter for his basketball team, earning multiple awards including: Scholar Athlete, Junior of the Year, Team’s Most Valuable Player, etc. On the verge of leaving Santa Teresa High School, he had two basketball scholarship offers, one from UC Santa Cruz and the other from Bethany University. He signed with Bethany University but due to the school’s investment issues, Bethany University was shut down. After hearing such terrible news, Denzel was extremely distraught but this did not stop his pursuit of becoming a collegiate athlete. Instead of choosing a four-year university and trying to “walk onto a team,” he chose to go to De Anza College to keep playing and hopefully obtain a scholarship, which he eventually achieved! Earning All-Conference both years, Denzel gained the attention of eight four-year colleges, including Lewis & Clark University, California State University of San Marcos, and Texas A&M International. After visiting and talking with several basketball coaches, He decided to sign the letter of intent with the Texas A&M Dustdevils NCAA Division 2. Playing basketball at that level, he finally understood how important it is to care for your body. It was at Texas A&M International University where Denzel found his passion for health & fitness as a whole. His main focus is to pass on the excitement for fitness and to help his clients reach all of their goals. With his knowledge of being an athlete, he can encourage you to be the best version of yourself. He wants to help people discover what their bodies are capable of doing and to teach them safe and proper techniques. That foundation alone will serve them for the rest of their lives!! In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure!
Coach Jalen
Jalen Benitez was born and raised in San Jose, CA where he found his passion for sports. Basketball specifically is what led to his passion for coaching. Jalen has played basketball at multiple levels, starting at a young age at the YMCA, to National Junior Basketball Division and All-Net. He got into more competitive play in the Amateur Athletic Union when he was able to travel all around the country playing in highly competitive tournaments like the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, Varsity High School Basketball, as well as Junior College level basketball
Jalen Benitez began high school at St. Lawrence Academy in Santa Clara, CA where he played varsity as a freshman. Jalen then transferred to Prospect High School in Saratoga, CA where he played his remaining 3 years at the varsity level. Over the course of his high school career, Jalen won awards ranging from 2nd Team All-League his freshman year, 1st Team All-League his sophomore year, as well the Sophomore of the Year award, 1st Team All-League his junior year, and finishing his senior year winning the Blossom Valley Athletic League MVP award as well as 1st Team All-League and the league championship that year.
On the verge of leaving Prospect High School, Jalen Benitez was being recruited by many Division 2 and 3 colleges, as well as Division 1 college, University of Texas at El Paso. Due to personal reasons, Jalen went the junior college route and attended and played at Foothill College in Los Altos, CA for one year, and then transferred to Lane Community College in Eugene, OR for his second year. Playing at the college level showed Jalen what it took to be a well-rounded student-athlete. Taking care of your body, and training to be the best player you can be is just as important as handling your responsibilities in the classroom.
With his knowledge and experience being an athlete, Coach Jalen will push you to be a hard worker, and to be the best version of yourself on and off the court.
Coach Rabbit
Coach Rabbit was born and raised in the Bay Area, and grew up playing many different sports. He played everything from football, basketball, and baseball to hockey and volleyball. He currently coaches Basketball as well as Football Deliberate Training at Harker Middle School in San Jose, California. He enjoys working with youth athletes in any sport at any level because he still considers himself to be a competitor at heart. When he’s not coaching, he enjoys country music and outdoor activities!