CUMBERLAND — Bishop Walsh announced the appointment of Zach Kocak as its new varsity boys soccer head coach on Tuesday.
Kocak resides in Cumberland with his wife, Maggie Czapski (Bishop Walsh Class of 2014 and Dr. Leo Ley award winner). With an exceptional athletic and coaching background, Kocak brings a wealth of experience, leadership and passion for soccer to the Spartans program.
A native of the Pittsburgh area, Kocak is a graduate of Hampton High School, where he was a four-year soccer letterman, team captain and a key contributor of PIAA AA state championship, state runner-up, and District 7 championship teams.
Kocak continued his soccer career at Saint Vincent College, starting in all 74 games over four years. As a two-year team captain, he earned recognition as Presidents’ Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week and was the recipient of the prestigious Kristen Zawacki Award for outstanding service to the Saint Vincent community.
In addition to his collegiate success, Kocak has more than five years of coaching experience.
He spent four years at Springfield Township High School near Philadelphia, where he guided his team to two PIAA AA state runner-up finishes and a District 1 championship.
Over the past year, Kocak served as an assistant coach for both the Bishop Walsh boys and girls varsity soccer teams and also contributed to the JCP middle school soccer program.
Beyond soccer, he has coached girls flag football in Philadelphia and is a multi-sport athlete himself, earning varsity letters in wrestling (106 career wins) and baseball during high school.
“I am thrilled to continue the great legacy of the Bishop Walsh soccer program,” Kocak said. “From middle school to varsity, I look forward to developing players at all levels and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field.”
Kocak is also a dedicated educator, teaching middle school social studies at Bishop Walsh. His role in the classroom further demonstrates his commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Spartans.
“Zach’s extensive playing and coaching experience, coupled with his commitment to fostering teamwork and sportsmanship, make him the perfect fit to lead the Spartans boys’ varsity soccer team,” said Bishop Walsh Principal Jennifer Flinn.