Penn State Harrisburg men’s basketball head coach Don Friday has announced the addition of two assistants to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
Former Division III head coach Will Cabrera, along with longtime high school head coach Mark Zerbe, will join Friday on the sideline this season.
Cabrera most recently spent two years as the top assistant at Lebanon Valley after serving as head coach at Mount Aloysius for four seasons. He led the Mounties to new heights, including three consecutive postseason appearances, the first winning season in six years, and the first home playoff game in program history. His defenses were especially potent and ranked top-30 in the nation during his head coaching tenure.
“I’ve known Will since his playing days at Messiah in the early 2000’s,” said Friday regarding the addition of Cabrera. “We have had a close friendship and professional relationship for many years and he’s worked extremely hard at every stop he’s been. Careers in basketball are very demanding and he has never wavered when it comes to being loyal and giving his very best to this great game.”
During his two stints at LVC, Cabrera’s recruiting and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts proved impactful on and off the court. He helped develop D-III News All-America Honorable Mention selection and 2,000-point scorer Sam Light, as well as two-time all-region honoree and 2021 MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year Collin Jones. He was also recognized for his DEI achievements with an inclusive excellence award from the president’s office in 2022.
“I am excited for what Will can bring to our program as he has viewed this game through many lenses,” Friday added. “He brings a unique perspective as a head coach, assistant coach, international student, student-athlete, and father and we are counting on him to collaborate with the rest of our staff to deliver the very best experience to our student-athletes. He will be very impactful in our recruitment, player development, and defensive game plan processes. It is a pleasure to have Will, his partner Kimberly, and his daughter Alexis join the Penn State Harrisburg basketball family.”
Zerbe served as the head coach of the boys’ basketball program at nearby Milton Hershey for more than a decade and helped lead the Spartans to unprecedented success, including 200-plus victories, six PIAA State Championship Tournament appearances, a District 3 Championship, and four Mid-Penn Conference Titles during his tenure.
“Mark has had tremendous success at the college and high school levels,” said Friday about Zerbe’s addition. “He brings a wealth of experience as a bench and player development coach. I’ve known Mark for many years and value our friendship and his love of teaching the game.”
Most recently, Zerbe guided Milton Hershey to the PIAA State Championship Tournament and was named the Mid-Penn Keystone Coach of the Year in 2023. In 2017-18, his team won the District 3 5A Championship for just the fourth time in program history. That season, the Spartans racked up 26 wins and advanced to the semifinal round of the PIAA 5A Championship Tournament. For his efforts, Zerbe was named the PennLive Coach of the Year and earned the Abe Garner Outstanding Coach Award that winter.
“He understands the importance of building relationships and helping young people navigate their careers as student-athletes and graduates,” Friday continued. “He is highly respected in the mid-state education and athletic communities and he will be a tremendous addition to our culture here in Middletown. I’m happy to welcome Mark, his wife Jamie, and daughters Kylie and Devon to the Penn State Harrisburg basketball family.”
Penn State Harrisburg will open its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Kean at the Capital Union Building on Nov. 8.
https://athletics.hbg.psu.edu/sports/mbkb/2023-24/releases/20230827g7mvxi
