General | 6/21/2023 12:00:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Eavenson announced on Wednesday that head men's lacrosse coach Zach Nedbalski is stepping down after 11 seasons leading the Methodist University men's lacrosse program.
 
Nedbalski became the first men's lacrosse coach in Methodist University history in 2013, laying the foundation for a brand-new program. After spending his first year on the recruiting trail, he led the Monarchs to a win in their first-ever match in 2014. Over ten seasons, his leadership helped guide Methodist to 77 total victories.
 
 "Zach was the first head coach in program history, building our program from the ground up," Eavenson said. "He has done a remarkable job building a first-class quality program the past 11 years. His teams were disciplined on and off the field and played with a tremendous amount of determination, sportsmanship, and grit. They played the game the right way, played it at a high level and were fun to watch."
 
The Monarchs saw their best season under Nedbalski in 2017, losing just 3 games during an incredible 15-win season. The team capped off the season with a 15-10 win in the Southeastern Independent Lacrosse Conference Championship and Nedbalski was named SEILC Coach of the Year.
 
Two seasons later, Nedbalski earned Coach of the Year honors again – this time in the USA South Athletic Conference following a 9-7 season and an appearance in the semifinal round of the conference tournament. In 10 total seasons, he led Methodist to a .500 record or better seven times, and he coached more than 20 all-conference players.
 
"I want to thank Athletic Director Dave Eavenson and Deputy Director of Athletics DeeDee Jarman for their guidance over the last 11 years," Nedbalski said. "I would like to thank the entire Methodist community for their support of the men's lacrosse program over the years. Special thank you to former Athletic Director Bob McEvoy for believing in me to start the program here in 2012 and giving me my head coaching start. Last but not least, I want to thank all my players, past and present, for creating the program and making it what it is today. Without you, Methodist University Men's Lacrosse would not exist."
 
Along with his other accomplishments, one of Nedbalski's greatest honors during his time at Methodist was being chosen as the McLean Foundation Coach of the Year in 2017. The award is given annually to a Methodist University head coach whose team exhibits excellence on the field, in the classroom, in the community, and demonstrates good sportsmanship.
 
"Zach is an outstanding person and we want to thank him for all he has done for MU," Eavenson said. "We wish him all the very best as he moves onto the next chapter in his life."
 
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.