College of St. Joseph has named Zakary A. Mayo as head women’s softball coach. Mayo will build a team that will first take the field in the 2014-15 school year, as CSJ reinstates its softball program.
Mayo, from Avon, Conn., comes to CSJ with an extensive background in coaching and recruitment, having been a successful head and assistant coach at the high school and college levels. Throughout his career, his overall head coaching record amounts to 76-34. He has guided a collegiate baseball program, Schenectady P.N.A. Eagles, N.Y., to three consecutive World Series berths at the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Tournament in Johnstown, Pa. (2011-2013).
He has provided clinics to more than 60 athletes at a time and has personally instructed more than 700 athletes ranging from high school to professional levels. Mayo has worked in recruitment for many colleges and organizations and is also specialized in athletic strength and conditioning. After experience with The Parisi Speed School, as well as serving as a SUNY ACC strength and conditioning coach, Mayo also brings a depth of knowledge of proper athletic conditioning to the CSJ campus.
Mayo said one of his strengths as a coach is his ability to relate to his players.
“I, myself, was a multi-sport collegiate student-athlete. Even as a student, I was heavily involved in the recruitment aspect of many players. I was able to relate to the college student then, and I am still able to do such now. I believe the success of a coach is contingent upon the ability to relate to and communicate with your athletes,” Mayo said. “Even in the classroom, some of my most effective professors were the ones who were able to relate to us as students.”
To Mayo, a successful team is built around a family philosophy structure.
“Something I have always tried to instill in my students athletes is that we always strive to eat as a team, learn and grow as a team, do outside activities as a team, practice as team, and play as a team,” Mayo said. “When we, as a team, support and sustain each and every individual member in their specific responsibility and role, just like in a family, we are all lifted up and elevated throughout the process.”
Mayo is excited by the prospects of building a team in its first year, which he sees being competitive in all aspects of the game in year one.
“I love the fact that this is start-up program because I am able to build a program from scratch. Some might see that as a challenge, I see it as a blessing,” Mayo said. “To build something that wasn’t here last year is a wonderful opportunity. I think it will help the program, and the college, in the long run because I will be able to influence those brought here with my family philosophy from the beginning.”
Mayo sees success in year one as laying a strong foundation for his team both on the field and in the classroom.
“I plan on being competitive in every fundamental aspect of the game. I’m a also strong believer in academics. I find that to be so incredibly important that they understand that they will be a professional in the workforce someday,” Mayo said.
Mayo received his B.S. in sports administration from Castleton State College.