The University at Albany has appointed Zach Cook as the new Head Coach of the cross country program. Cook, a UAlbany alum and former volunteer assistant coach, has garnered praise for his recruiting skills and coaching prowess, particularly under the mentorship of longtime coach Matt Jones. He aims to build upon the established excellence of the program while fostering character among student-athletes. Cook has coached several successful athletes, including multiple America East medalists, demonstrating his capability to drive competitive success.

By the Numbers
  • Cook coached Amanda Chambers to 40th place at the NCAA Northeast Regional XC Championships in 2023.
  • Skyler Smith is a 12-time America East medalist and a four-time champion, winning the indoor 1000m in 2024.
State of Play
  • Cook has been a part of UAlbany's coaching staff since the 2022-23 season.
  • He replaces Matt Jones, a highly respected figure in the program's history.
What's Next

As Cook takes on his new role, he is expected to continue the program's legacy of excellence while enhancing recruitment strategies to attract top talent. Upcoming seasons will be closely monitored for the performance of student-athletes under his oversight, especially during key events and championships.

Bottom Line

Zach Cook's promotion signals a commitment to maintaining the high standards of UAlbany's cross country program while leveraging his background and experience. His leadership will be crucial as the program transitions into a new era, emphasizing both competitive success and athlete development.