Vermont Academy has hired John Zall as the new boys’ varsity basketball coach. Zall arrives at Vermont Academy with over ten years of coaching experience at the NBA, NCAA, high school, and AAU levels.
“We’re really excited for John to begin coaching for our team,” explained Dr. Jennifer Zaccara, Vermont Academy’s head of school. “This team is a known powerhouse in the prep school league with alumni currently playing in the NBA and at Division I and Ivy League schools. John’s diverse coaching experience from high school through the professional level will ensure that each of our student athletes are on the path that will lead to academic and athletic success.”
Zall comes to Vermont Academy from Division III Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut. He was the Associate Head Basketball Coach and was responsible for all offensive play design, strategy and play calling. This past season Trinity led the NESCAC conference for fastest offensive pace.
Before taking on the coaching role at Trinity, Zall worked for the Dallas Mavericks in their player development department. The team advanced to the NBA playoffs during his time there. He worked directly with players such as 13-time NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and two-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Zall to the Vermont Academy community,” explains athletic director Wendy Bordeau. “We were impressed with John’s basketball IQ. He is a lifelong student of the game. Known for his strong moral compass, player development skill, and recruiting prowess, John is well connected and respected in the basketball world. We look forward to a bright future for Vermont Academy prep basketball under his leadership.”
Prior to his stint with the Mavericks, Zall was an assistant coach at Division II Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. He helped guide the Ravens to a 2013-14 NCAA Tournament Appearance. Zall arrived at Franklin Pierce after spending three seasons as the Associate Head Coach/Head JV Coach at O’Bryant High school in Roxbury, MA. During his tenure at O’Bryant the program qualified for the MIAA State Tournament twice.
Zall graduated from Northeastern University in 2013 with bachelor’s degree in sociology and added a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College in 2019. “My focus with high school athletes is college success,” explains Zall. “I’ve recruited and coached players in the two best non-Division 1 leagues in the country. A lot of college freshman lack the skills they need to go to college and thrive. I’m looking forward to making sure Vermont Academy’s student athletes have the foundation they need to succeed at college and beyond.”
In addition to coaching the varsity basketball team, Zall will also be working in the college counseling office and will be working as a dorm parent.
https://www.vermontacademy.org/headmaster-speeches?pk=1388620
