Zach Ferrara joined the High Point University Track & Field/Cross Country staff in July of 2026.
"Entering into a prestigious program, I am thrilled to join the HPU staff and continue the pole vault legacy," Ferrara said. "To me, High Point University has all of the elements to thrive as a coach, and guide student-athletes to achieve their potential. Thank you, HPU administration, for this opportunity. I am prepared and excited for the upcoming season!"
Ferrara joins the HPU Track & Field program as a pole vault coach after contributing seven years at Nazareth University. While at Nazareth, Ferrera was named Niagara Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024. Before he started his full-time coaching career, he volunteered at his Alma Mater, the College at Brockport.
Ferrara led two pole vaulters to two NCAA Championships in 2024 and 2025. He helped guide seven women's pole vaulters to win Empire 8 Conference Championships for indoor and outdoor. On the men's side, he coached two Empire 8 Conference Champions.
Ferrara also assisted in coaching four multi-event conference champions, while sending 10 pole vaulters to multiple AARTF regional competitions since 2020. Since Ferrara took over as pole vault coach, all of Nazareth's pole vault records have been broken.
While in New York, Ferrara was a Health Project Coordinator and Exercise Specialist with the University of Rochester. Ferrara coordinated a novel physical education program through the Center of Human Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention (CHAMPP), in the City of Rochester. The CHAMPP program positively impacted students and student athletes in public, private, and parochial school districts. Accompanying his role with the UR, Ferrara assisted with strength and conditioning for the athletes on the Nazareth track and field team.
As a collegiate athlete, Ferrara was named the 2013 Male Athlete of the Year at Brockport after winning the 2013 Indoor NCAA Division III Championship in the pole vault. The school record holder in the pole vault earned three All-American awards and was a three-time SUNYAC champion. His academic awards include the Outstanding Graduate Student award at Brockport and the 2013 USTFCCCA Indoor Track and Field Scholar Athlete of the Year.
The 2013 graduate of The College at Brockport earned a degree in Physical Education and went on to earn a master's degree in physical education also from Brockport. Ferrara was inducted into The College at Brockport Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ferrara was a graduate assistant coach at Brockport before coaching at the Spencerport, Kendall and Brockport school districts. In addition, he has helped coordinate the Brockport Pole Vault clinic since 2014. Ferrara himself is a 5.49m (18') pole vaulter born in Rochester, NY.
Ferrara and his wife, Ali, have two children, Carson and Kallan.
