Joseph Zanko III enters his second season as the head coach of the Drew University men's and women's fencing teams in 2023-24.

Zanko came to the Forest following an outstanding stint as the head girls fencing coach at Montgomery (N.J.) High School, where he guided the Cougars to the three conference championships, two county championships, and the 2022 state title. His team held a No. 1 state ranking throughout the entire 2021-22 season, which culminated in a 19-8 victory over No. 6 Columbia in the state final.

Prior to his time at Montgomery, Zanko served as the head coach of both the boys and girls varsity programs at Gill St. Bernards's School (N.J.) from 2015-19 and the assistant boys and girls coach at Lawrenceville (N.J.) High School in 2014-15.

In addition, Zanko has worked as the head sabre coach for Manchen Academy of Fencing since 2020. His coaching career began at the Hub City Fencing Academy, where he provided instruction for all three weapon classes from 2011-20.

Zanko is a 2008 graduate of Fordham University, where he was a member of the school's club fencing program. He earned a bachelor of art's degree in history and philosophy.