Zach Rycroft enters his second season as an assistant coach under Head Coach Sean Regan, serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator.
During his first season on the coaching staff, Rycroft helped guide West Liberty to the most successful campaign in program history. The Hilltoppers established single-season records for wins, goals, assists and total points while also earning the first postseason victory in program history.
Rycroft further expanded his coaching experience during the summer as a member of the Steel City FC staff in USL League Two. Working with student-athletes from programs such as Pitt, Duquesne, Robert Morris, Oregon State and Bellarmine, he helped Steel City complete an undefeated regular season and capture its second consecutive Great Forest Division title.
Steel City also earned the first USL League Two postseason victory in club history, defeating Northern Indiana FC in the Round of 32 of the national tournament. Defensively, the club opened the season with seven consecutive shutouts and was the last of more than 150 USL League Two teams nationwide to concede a goal. Steel City surrendered only three goals during the regular season, tying Colorado Storm for the best defensive mark in the country.
A four-year member of the Hilltopper men’s soccer program, Rycroft served as team captain during his final season and earned recognition on the Mountain East Conference All-Academic Team during his collegiate career.
Originally from Northampton, England, Rycroft brings an international playing background to the West Liberty staff. Before enrolling at WLU, he spent two years developing his game abroad with FC Málaga City in Spain and APIA Leichhardt Tigers in Australia. His coaching career began at age 18 when he stepped in to lead his younger brother’s U16 team after its coach departed, an experience that sparked his passion for coaching.
Rycroft earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from West Liberty and is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in fraud and forensic accounting. He also serves the university as a graduate assistant for Housing and Residence Life.
He holds a U.S. Soccer National C License.
Zach is the son of Rachel and Jeff Rycroft.
