Nedbalski Hired to Lead Methodist University Men’s Lacrosse Program


FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Methodist University Director of Athletics, Bob McEvoy, has announced the hiring of Zach Nedbalski to serve as the first head coach of the men’s lacrosse program.

Methodist announced in late April men’s lacrosse would become the 20th sport offering with plans to recruit over the next year in preparation for the first scheduled competitions in the 2013-14 year.

“Zach is a great fit for our new program, as he has been involved with start up programs before at the collegiate level both as a player and as an assistant coach,” McEvoy said. “He also has a wealth of recruiting experience at the NCAA Division III level, as well as quality coaching experience at outstanding collegiate institutions like Methodist. Zach has an uncommon passion for the sport of lacrosse and we look forward to working with him in the years ahead as we build a quality men’s lacrosse program.”

Nedbalski has spent the past two years as a graduate assistant coach at Berry College. He served as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator while helping to see the program through its initial two seasons.

“First, I would like to thank President Ben Hancock and Athletic Director Bob McEvoy for this wonderful opportunity,” Nedbalski said. “I’m very excited to work at Methodist University and help build the men’s lacrosse program from the ground up. Methodist is a beautiful campus with a faculty and student body that seems like a big family.”

Nedbalski will begin recruiting immediately with the opportunity to bring in the first class in the fall 2013.

“I’m looking forward to recruiting in the state of North Carolina where I have made some great connections with some of the top high school and club coaches in the state,” Nedbalski added. “I will be attending a number of recruiting tournaments up and down the east coast this summer. Student-athletes who are interested in competing right away, scoring the first goal, making the first save and obtaining the program’s first win are all highlights possible at Methodist.”

Before joining Berry, Nedbalski spent two years as an assistant at Randolph-Macon College. He helped lead R-MC to 14 wins and back-to-back appearances in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference postseason tournament in his two seasons there.

Nedbalski went to R-MC after spending the 2007-2008 season in London, England. As a Local Development Officer for the English Lacrosse Association, Nedbalski helped develop lacrosse in South London primary and secondary schools. He created lesson plans, practice plans, and coached U-16 and men’s teams.

Before heading across the pond, Nedbalski attended Queen’s University of Charlotte, N.C., where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Nedbalski was part of the first men’s lacrosse team in school history. As a member of the lacrosse team, Nedbalski served as a two-year captain and earned the Coach’s Award in 2004 and 2007. During his junior season, the Royals snapped Limestone’s 64-game conference win streak and went to the conference championship game. They were ranked in the USILA Division II Top 10.

Nedbalski recently earned his master’s degree in secondary education from Berry.

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3 Comments

  1. Blues on July 7, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    A great LDO working in the UK through the Walcountian Blues – Keep going big man

  2. Tomasz Kędzia on July 6, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Good decision:) Zach is a great guy. His engagements in the early developments of lacrosse in Poland was a milestone for us. Greetings from Poland 

  3. Tomasz Kędzia on July 6, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Good decision:) Zach is a great guy. His engagements in the early developments of lacrosse in Poland was a milestone for us. Greetings from Poland 

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