Meet the graduates: Zach Nipper ’24, ’25 MACSL

It didn’t take long for Randolph to feel like home to Zach Nipper ’24, ’25 MACSL. 

“I always looked forward to coming back to campus after summer and winter breaks to see everyone,” he said. “With a very small population, the connections I made with friends, professors, coaches, and faculty have meant so much more to me than they would have at a bigger school. Choosing to come to Randolph was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made.” 

Now he’s gearing up to make a new college campus his home. 

Nipper recently accepted a position as a physical activity classroom instructor and full-time assistant coach for the University of North Carolina-Pembroke women’s soccer team.  

A 5-year member and 3-year starter on the men’s soccer team here at Randolph, Nipper majored in sport and exercise studies before entering the College’s Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership program 

“Sports were such a huge part of my life growing up, and I wanted to be around them for as long as possible,” he said. “The MACSL program was an amazing opportunity to extend my time at Randoph as both a student and an athlete. By that point, I knew I wanted to go into coaching and that the program would set me up for success in the future.” 

Nipper completed several practicums, including coaching for local children’s academies, two area high schools, and Randolph’s women’s soccer team. 

“The MACSL program helped me see that there is so much more that goes into coaching than just what happens on the field,” he said. “Being able to help the next generation of athletes become the best soccer players and people they can be is something I take great pride in.”