Ganzberg to Step Down as Men’s Soccer Coach

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – After eight seasons as the head coach of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's soccer team, Zach Ganzberg announced his resignation on Friday, November 15.

"We are thankful for Zach's service to the men's soccer program for the past eight seasons at MVNU," said Director of Athletics Chip Wilson. "He is a great teacher of the game of soccer, and his work with our team members and youth in the community has been greatly appreciated. The Ganzberg family will be missed in our community, and we pray the Lord will bless this next chapter of life for them."  

Ganzberg saw success in his eight years at the helm, finishing with a winning record of 66-55-28. Ganzberg came to MVNU after spending three years as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. In his time at MVNU, Ganzberg saw his teams appear in the NAIA Coaches Poll, receiving votes in 2019 and during the 2024 seasons.

Ganzberg also put together talented rosters that could compete with the best in the nation. Ganzberg saw his teams knock off No. 2 Rio Grande in 2019 and took down national powerhouse, No. 3 Bethel University this past season. Under Ganzberg, the MVNU men's soccer program was also able to achieve 400 all-time wins on March 4, 2021, with a 2-1 victory over Rochester University.

"It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the Head Men's Soccer Coach for the past eight seasons. From humble beginnings on old Cougar Field to monumental wins over top-five opponents, to everyday victories in the lives of our young men—for each of these moments, and everything in between, I'm forever grateful," said Ganzberg. "During my tenure, I have given all I have to the MVNU Men's Soccer program and to the people that God has uniquely placed in my path, and our team's path, to impact through soccer. 'Coach' to most, but 'Coach Z' to the young players in the community, it is with pride that I look at what work has been done, but also a deep sorrow at the ministry that I will leave behind; but all seasons, both in soccer and in life, come to an end. It is with a full range of emotions that I announce my resignation from my position at MVNU."

What we've built—a program rich in diversity, competitiveness, and sense of family—represents both the heritage of MVNU Men's Soccer and the community that we live in," continued Ganzberg. "Our players excel in the classroom, learn to embrace people of different cultures, and strive to put God first in everything that they do. I'm confident that the program is healthy and that the future is bright for MVNU Men's Soccer."

A national search for the next head soccer coach of the MVNU men's soccer program is set to begin immediately.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries.