Zach Haines Appointed As HPU Panthers Head Men’s Soccer Coach

HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University Athletic Director Dan Hauser announced the newest addition to its staff this Tuesday, as newly appointed Zach Haines takes over head coaching responsibilities for Panthers men’s soccer in 2019.

“We are thrilled to announce Zach Haines as the new men’s soccer coach at High Point University,” Hauser said. “Zach brings extensive championship coaching experience, as well as an outstanding national recruiting and player development track record. I have full confidence in his ability to continue building on the back-to-back conference championships and NCAA Tournament success at High Point University. This is a very exciting day for HPU Men’s Soccer.”

Becoming just the fourth Head Coach in HPU men’s soccer Division I history, Zach Haines arrives on the Panther campus having spent the previous season with Denver University. Acting as the Pioneers’ Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Haines helped Denver to a 15-4-2 record on the year, as the side reached as far as the second round of the NCAA Championship Tournament. Under Haines the Pioneers reached as high as No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches top-25, finishing the year at No. 15 overall. DU finished 2018 as both Summit League Tournament and Regular Season Champs, while boasting the No. 15 scoring offense in all of Division I soccer (2.00).

A native of Jamestown, N.C., Haines spent six years of his coaching career at UNCW before going to Denver, holding the position of Associate Head Coach for five seasons. The Southwest Guilford grad helped lead the Seahawks from a 7-11-1 record in his first season, to a 13-5-2 finish, and an NCAA Tournament At-Large bid, in his third year. During his time in Wilmington, UNCW received a pair of NCAA Tournament berths, advancing to the second round of the championship in both appearances.

The Seahawks received a ranking within the top-25 during each of Haines’ last five seasons at UNCW, thrice defeating his alma mater North Carolina. While in Wilmington, 25 players competing under Haines received All-Conference honors and eight earned All-CAA rookie recognition.

“I would like to thank President Qubein and Athletic Director, Dan Hauser, for the opportunity to lead High Point University Men’s Soccer,” says Coach Haines. “It is truly an honor and extra special for me to come back home, and be a part of this fantastic university and its commitment to excellence. I look forward to the challenge of pushing this program to new heights – on the field, in the classroom, and with its service to the High Point community. A huge thank you to my family for supporting me throughout my career to follow my passion.”

Haines has made a habit of recruiting and producing professional talent with eight of his players at UNCW signing pro contracts between 2012-2017. In 2019 alone two players under Haines’ tutelage were selected in the Major League Soccer Superdraft, including NCAA leading goal scorer Andre Shinyashiki (No. 5; Colorado Rapids) and Pioneer defender Scott DeVoss (59th; Orlando City). Haines also coached 2016 MLS pick Colin Bonner (45th; FC Dallas), during his tenure with UNCW.

In addition to his successes at the D1 level, Haines also led his team to the 2011 USL Super-20 National Championship semifinals as a head coach and has also handled coaching duties with North Carolina ODP (Olympic Development Program) and East Chapel Hill High School.

Haines played for Southwest Guilford High School before competing collegiately at North Carolina. A part of the No. 4 recruiting class in the country in 2004, he spent three years playing for the Tar Heels, and spent time as a Volunteer Coach for UNC in 2009.

What They’re Saying:
Denver Head Coach Jamie Franks:
“We are very happy for Zach and the High Point University community, but sad for our student-athletes here in Denver. Zach’s knowledge and passion for the game will be sorely missed. His love for the game is contagious and positively impacted the team and program during his time here. Zach’s ability to recruit, scout opponents, and on field coaching helped us tremendously over the past year. On behalf of the program, we want to wish Zach only the very best of luck at High Point.”

UNCW Head Coach Aiden Heaney:
“Zach Haines is one of the brightest young coaches in the country. He is extremely knowledgeable, tactically astute, and will demand excellence from his players. He has high standards on and off the field and will challenge his players to be the best version of themselves that they can be. I am certain he will build on their recent successes. Great hire High Point!”

Creighton Head Coach Johnny Torres:
“Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with Zach at multiple levels. He is a passionate individual that takes his job personally. His ability to formulate and convey a successful formula for both on the field and in the classroom to a group of young men is a valuable asset! Looking forward to see Zach and High Point continue their upward trend!”