Grant Zimmerman Reviews

Great coach! Really set the tone on becoming a championship program! I do belive he never gives other players a chance. I come from an athletic family where you earn everything, but there were times where I feel like I didn’t get the opportunity to earn PT, or leadership. Z is honest and straight forward but sometimes it’s unclear of his expectations of an individual player. He did carry the program as if it was a division 1 program, which I loved and really appreciated. Will never forget winning a conference championship and making the NCAA tournament. However I do feel like I wasn’t able to shine or show my worth. He also did a great job of creating an amazing team culture. I still talk to former and current teammates and members.

I am a member of the class of 2021 and was a part of the transition from Sharbaugh to Zimmerman. Upon noticing the negative reviews, I am rather annoyed. I was not a player who got the playing time they wanted and I could not disagree more with the negative reviews below. Zimmerman was always fair and the opinions presented are excuses and those players and parents are soft and don’t understand how the world really works. He is a highly capable coach who recruits talent and is explicit in his reviews of players. He plays the players who will do the best on the field and turned a losing program into a top 16 team in the nation. His resume and expertise are far beyond what any DIII program deserves and any high school athletes being recruited to this program would be lucky to play under such a knowledgeable, personable, and experienced coach. Phil is also an amazing coach and Centre lacrosse is lucky to have him. Centre men’s lacrosse is ann impressive program and they have a bright future ahead of them. Go Colonels!

I had the opportunity to play for him as well as the previous coach and can honestly say Coach Z completely reshaped this program for the better. I see lots of poor reviews due to lack of playing time and that has to be the case when you compete at such a high level and create an environment where all players are hungry for an opportunity. The cold hard truth is that not everyone who is recruited gets the opportunity play. I played at a public high school and not once did that fact get brought up or matter in terms of playing time. in fact, the opposite is true, I was not a starter when Z took over and due to injury, I was given the opportunity to start and earnered the right to remain a starter through consistent production. Off the field, Coach Z places a strong wmphasis on academic achievement & does all he can to ensure you taking the right steps to hit the ground running after graduation.

Another vote for Coach Z! From day 1 of meeting him I knew he was someone who cares about players, wants them to succeed on and off the field. He wants to develop and take his team to the next level. For those complaining about playing time thats life . Plenty of opportunities to play and be a guaranteed starter at schools with less competitive programs. Thats not what this program Is about. Its about utilizing the state of the art training facilities and bringing in the best possible talent. Our son couldn’t be in a better place that fits him to a T! He’s getting an amazing education and growing as a player on and off the field.

As a parent of a current player I am very pleased with the leadership of Coach Zimmerman and the coaching staff. My son was not promised anything prior to committing other than an opportunity to compete for playing time. College athletics is a privilege not a right and is a year round commitment in which you are constantly challenged by new players every year. Unfortunately, these kids are in for a rude awakening once they enter the real world.

3 years ago when coaches Z and Phil were recruiting my son they told us 2 absolute truths : 1 . You will be able to compete for playing time . They never promised a starting role or game playing time . For someone to believe that is ludicrous . We have elevated our status , and really good players now choose to come Centre . 2 . We hope to , ideally ,maintain a roster of 35-40 players . The keyword is ideally , but so many more kids are now coming to Centre to try and play lacrosse and also go to school here . Look at the stats ; I believe this year’s freshman class is the largest ever . Should Coach Z cut these players ? I have so much more to say , but I won’t bore you . I’ll leave you with these bullet points : Coach Z has been honest with our family from day 1 ; college coaches must over recruit because you don’t know who will come ; Coach Z doesn’t care if you went to a private or public school ; my son has progressively seen more playing each year ; no player gets individual attention to improve , that is not Coach Z’s job , he has to improve team play , if you want to improve individually go pay for a private lesson . I could go on and on and on . This team is good . I defy you to point out one player who shouldn’t be on the field . In conclusion I won’t move forward and attack anyone anonymously , but I will praise and give positive reviews of the Centre Mens Lacrosse coaching staff . I am glad we are a part of this program . We would do it all over again .

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Coach Z. My son only has good things to say about him also… and he isn’t a starter. Coach Z is a calm, concerned, thoughtful coach. He is committed to the idea of the team improving while trying to keep the entire team engaged. He is an excellent example for my son of a competitive athlete that is also kind and accessible. He is available for his players both on and off the field. We have a meal after every game so families can spend time together and support each other and our kids.

As parents of Centre lacrosse players my husband and I feel like we “won the lottery” as it relates to the student-athlete experience our sons are having. From day one, the direct, honest, realistic, knowledgeable coaching and feedback our boys have had from the entire coaching staff and athletic staff at Centre College has exceeded any/all expectations. To have individuals that know the sport, that care not just about their jobs and the tangible metrics they are evaluated on, but also about holding up each and every one of their players to the highest standards, highest personal expectations, highest values on and off the field is an absolute privilege for each and every parent that is fortunate enough to have a son part of the men’s Centre Lax program and each and every young man fortunate enough to have earned the privilege of wearing the Centre Men’s lax uniform. It’s that simple. Every one of these boys will have highs and lows, will triumph and struggle. That’s the entire point of being part of something bigger than you and your individual personal identity. These boys are blessed beyond measure to learn, develop, grown and play for the Centre Men’s coaching and athletic staff. The FAMILY culture has always been the foundation of the experience our boys have had and we are forever grateful not just for the school and their support of student athletes but the coaches, the athletic staff, the individuals that raise the money needed for our top notch facilities, the families on this team past and present and each and every young man that walks out of the locker room each and every week.

My name is Nic Malubay, class of 2021 and 2021 SAA Champion, and I am extremely proud to have been a part of the Centre Men’s Lacrosse family. A family and tradition built by Coach Zimmerman and protected and upheld by his players, current and former. That is a statement I am not afraid to put my name behind. My freshmen year, Centre lacrosse was fighting to finish the season with a winning record. Receiving a bye in the SAA tournament and winning it was a hope, not an expectation. Now, I see the accolades, championships, and winning standard that the program upholds makes me proud to see the culture created in a short 6 years. My sophomore year in 2019, the program saw a first round bye for the first time in multiple years that was followed by SAA champions, multiple All-Americans, and NCAA tournament wins. I’ll let you as the reader figure out what the 2019 difference was. I’d like to represent the Centre Lacrosse alumni in saying that I could not be more proud to be a part of the history and tradition of the team. Never did I feel any discrimination from my teammates or coaches. Coach Zimmerman and Coach Havira developed me and taught me in my four years as a player and as a man. One of those lessons being this: “Nothing is given, everything is earned”, regardless if you were a previous starter or champion, you have a certain background, family, or school. This program was built off of EARNING success through hard work and relentless energy. The results of the last 6 years can speak for itself. If you have any questions or inquiries about my experiences as a player or alum of this program, I’d be very happy to speak about to anyone regarding why this program is successful and creates Leaders of Men.

Completely turned the ship around. Knows what it takes to win and makes sure his players are doing what they need to do to be successful. There’s a reason Centre is now the best program in the SAA.

As a student athlete at Centre College, my son has absolutely found his home. His confidence has grown on and off the field with the leadership and support of the Centre lacrosse coaching team. There is a communicated expectation of what it takes to be an active member of the team. The team is truly a family and every player has a role on the team. Coach Zimmerman has developed a program that allows players to have the "complete college experience": study aboard, Greek life and a vested interested in the player's success after graduation. Being a student athlete, no matter the division, takes dedication. Centre College academics and the lacrosse team requires hard work - an environment I'm glad my son is part of. While nothing in life is easy or perfect - Centre College, its lacrosse program and the coaching team has exceeded all of our expectations AND we feel extremely lucky that our son is able to have such an amazing student-athlete college experience.

Coach Zimmerman is hands down the best head coach I have ever played under. His sense of professionalism, knowledge of the game, and honest approach to coaching are among the best across all Divisions of the NCAA. Within his first 3 years of coaching at Centre, he had already won the SAA conference championship and took the team to its first Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. His ability to completely transform a struggling local program into a nationally recognized powerhouse in less than 3 years is bar none across all of Division III. It’s also evidence of his efficient and disciplined coaching style. If you are looking to play for a coach who genuinely wants you to improve and has the knowledge and resources to get you there, then Centre is an excellent option. That being said, be prepared to hear your fair share of constructive criticism. Coach Zimmerman is honest and direct about everything he thinks you can do to improve your game. He knows better than anyone what it’s going to take to win another conference championship. If you want a coach that will hand out participation trophies rather than a championship ring at the end of a long season, then Centre might not be the place for you. However, his knowledge and understanding extends beyond the field too. He’s also extremely committed to making sure every player on his team is staying on top of their academic requirements. As you approach your final years within the program, he always makes sure to take an active interest in how you’re getting your professional career up and running. Whether it’s through setting up internships, a letter of recommendation, or putting you in contact with one of his many national (and international) connections, Coach Zimmerman makes sure you are more than ready to hit the ground running in the real world. Parents sending their sons to play for Coach Zimmerman will not regret the disciplined, well-rounded, and honest men they become from playing under his tremendous leadership.

Having 3 sons play lax for the last 15 years , parents grumbling is as much a part of the game as bad weather. Equally as predictable is parents looking at the team thru the short sighted view of only their son . But lax is a means not an end, and allowing them to experience struggles forms men of character. I know as a Dad my influence on my sons is limited, and I have watched coach Z help form my sons into men of character, better lax players, and champions. He dedicates himself and his family to this process, and I can ask little more from a man I ask any parents with different views to talk to me.

Coach Z, both on and off the lacrosse field, has helped me in ways that are unexplainable. As a former player I can truthfully say I wouldn't be as successful as I am or who I am today without him. He created a culture around his team that promotes competitiveness, hard work, dedication and most importantly, family. All of these qualities make up a great student athlete as well as a candidate for any job or graduate school. Centre lacrosse's impact goes far beyond winning games, it molds young men into driven individuals who want to be successful and now have the tools to do it. Coach Z's knowledge of the game is top tier for any coach but especially coaches at the division 3 level. He sees the field and the schematics unlike anyone I have ever learned from. He took a team from middle of the pack in the SAA to the clear front runner in the matter of 2 years, not to mention this was through a worldwide pandemic. On top of that add 2 SAA championships, 2 trips to the NCAA tournament and a win over a nationally ranked opponent. Coach Z's biggest motivators are winning and creating a team that truly is a family. I believe he achieved that and then some during my time at Centre. He knows how to win, plain and simple. He's going to put the best guys on the field in the right positions to win lacrosse games. To be successful at Centre it's about hard work and being successful in the system. Coach's mentality is a team mentality, if you're giving the effort and playing WITHIN the system to help the team win, you will get your chance. To create this team mentality, the team must truly be a family. I don't know many teams that willingly eat dinner after practice together every night of the season at one table in the middle of the cafeteria. That was the culture Coach Z created. Lastly, just from a personal standpoint, there aren't enough good things I could say about Z. During my time at Centre he kept me on track academically, had me at his house for dinner and helped me through personal issues I had going on outside of lacrosse. Since graduation he has put me in touch with multiple people about career opportunities and just checked in to make sure all is well. Coach Z is one of the greatest men you will come by in the lacrosse community. The integrity and passion of Coach Z should never be questioned in my eyes.

As an athlete in the recruiting process, it is important to seek out a program who is led by a man of good character. Coach Z is everything you could ask for in a head coach. He communicates what he expects from you as a player while also being REALISTIC about what that may be. His knowledge of the game is unmatched at this level. Being around the game my entire life, Coach Z is far and away the most knowledgeable lacrosse coach I have been around. To be honest, Centre doesn't even deserve him. We are lucky to have played for a coach of his caliber. One thing about playing lacrosse in college is that it is up to you as a player to put the work in necessary to get on the field. Sometimes it just isn't enough if you were not born with the ability and that is okay. He has never failed to mention the importance of the ENTIRE team to the success we acheived. In my 4 years, we won 3 conference titles and had 2 NCAA tournament appearances. That doesn't happen by chance. For those complaining about your kid saying he was lied to or that they wasted their career here, maybe your son was lying to you. You chose to come here and the fact that you didn't play is on you. Maybe he just wasn't good enough. The best players and the ones who gave us the best chance to win touched the field. The result speaks for itself.

You are not going to develop your game with Coach Z. He recruits heavily, never admits when he is wrong, bullies players in meetings so they won’t challenge him and plays the guys that will keep his pipeline filled. He is very good at recruiting although I think that will change as his reputation begins to spread in the lacrosse community. It is amazing to watch guys as first year players compared to their senior season. Only a small handful actually look any different. You will gain game knowledge, but you are never going to get the individual attention required to improve your game. If you are a recruit, don’t come here. There are plenty of good schools where coaches will try and improve you individually and play the best players, regardless of where they came from. You have been warned that you will not get that with Coach Z.

As a parent your hope is to guide your child toward the best decisions possible. I thought I was doing that when we were deciding on schools for my son. Coach Zimmerman and Coach Havira seemed great through the recruiting process and that coupled with the reputation of Centre seemed to make it a great choice. When speaking with Coach Zimmerman we had some very pointed and specific questions to be sure we were properly vetting him and the program. My son liked Centre but his goal was to play lacrosse. He was recruited at several schools and many of the coaches essentially guaranteed the he was good enough to compete for playing time immediately. A few of the coaches told him point blank, he had would have spot on the starting lineup day one. This was not a requirement for him, but he would never have selected a school that did not offer a solid chance to start during his career. He was recruited at some top-10 D3 and a few D1 programs and intentionally steered clear for this reason. In our conversations with Coach Zimmerman we asked two very important questions. Will my son compete for starting playing time and do you intend to keep the roster at reasonable levels? He told us that my son was a player that would be in a position to immediately compete for playing time, year one, and that he would keep the roster at a reasonable level of around 35-40 players maximum. We would never had chosen Centre had we heard differently on those two items. Having had a great time with the guys he met during his visit and trusting that Coach Zimmerman seemed like an honest guy, he committed. Very quickly we learned that Zimmerman is a salesman first. He will tell you what you want to hear to bring in recruits. To be clear, he is using Lacrosse as a profit center for the school. He does recruit talent and the team is competitive as a result, but he will say anything to bring in bodies. Every Fall my son was told that he was going to be in the mix for the following Spring and every Spring he was told he would not be playing. He was always given ambiguous reasons for being benched and he was never given a path toward playing time. He asked over and over for specific things he could work on to better his chances and never, not once, did the coaches give him any sort of roadmap for improvement. He constantly asked for actionable things he could work on and all he heard were things like just keep doing what your doing. Horrendous coaching in my view. They have the guys they intend to play and they have no interest in helping players figure out how they might work their way in. Coaches have every right to play who they want, but no coach should lie to fill spots and offer no path to playing. Since giving his word that his rosters would always be of reasonable size, it is now well above 50. Had we known this, we would never have chosen Centre. For a small staff it is not reasonable to manage a roster if that size. We were very specific in our desire to avoid programs with bloated rosters and Zimmerman was happy to lie to us knowing that it was a deciding factor in our decision making. Bottom line, Coach Zimmerman is a dishonest man who will say anything to get you on campus and will lie every step of the way once you are there. He will steal dreams of playing college lacrosse. If lacrosse is an important criteria for your school choice, do not play for Grant Zimmerman. He truly does not care if he steals that dream, so long as he gets numbers.

Pretty much like the other reviews. Z tells you what you want to hear and then favors the private school kids. Wish I had played for someone else.

Coach Z knows the game pretty well but you just can’t trust him. He will do whatever he can to get you to come to Centre, he will make you feel like you are a part of their future, he will send you letters and once you get there you will find out real quick whether he was lying or not. I know lots of coaches lie to get recruits, but it’s hard to imagine anyone worse than Z. If you are picking a college in order to play lacrosse, this is not worth the risk. Go somewhere with an open and honest coach and be sure to ask lots of questions. I quit, but I never stopped loving the game.

It is unfortunate that I am rating Z so low, but he is just not a fair guy. He and the other coaches play favorites, over recruit, and do not treat everyone equally. If you come from the right family or go to the right school you will have an advantage. If you aren’t so blessed, you better be really, really good if you want to play. If you aren’t “chosen” you will always have to do more and you will fear for every mistake because you will not get the second and third chances that some players get. You will hear how great you are doing and how good you look, then you will sit on the bench with no idea what happened and no idea how to fix it. There are some very good players sitting on the bench at Centre because they didn’t go to the right school or they are buddies with the coaches. There are so many guys thinking about quitting after this season that it is down right scary.

Zimmerman is just not an honest guy. He has a great presence and there are a lot of parents and players that love him, but there are a whole lot that have grown to really resent him. The biggest issue is that he doesn’t coach players to get better and he lies to them about where they are in terms of playing time. He over recruits, knowing that a lot of the guys will never play, but he leads them on so they will come to Centre. We have a lot of guys who quit every year and there were always guys thinking about quitting. They just don’t like playing for someone they can’t trust, and Z can’t be trusted. He has his favorites and they will always have the advantage. He does know the game and he recruits a lot of talent so he can reward his favorites and still win. I love the guys I had the chance to play with, but for lacrosse, I really wish I had gone somewhere else. I would never have played for Z (or Coach Phil) if I had known in advance what I was getting into.

Coach Z is a great recruiter. He will make you feel like he really wants you at Centre. He send handwritten letters while recruiting and really makes you feel like you are part of the future. Once you get there, you will soon realize he already has his chosen guys and you were never more than a practice squad guy. If you are lucky enough to be one of his chosen, your mistakes won’t matter, and you will play no matter what. If you aren’t, you are going to play tight and scared because any mistake could end your season. He will lie to you in your individual meetings and tell you you are goi g ti be playing a lot but when the season comes around his boys are the ones on the field. If you ask for a specific plan to work your way into the lineup, you will not get it. He is very intentional about avoiding specific paths to playing time because he doesn’t want you to be able to work through a specific process to play. He loves his private school kids and he especially loves private school kids from specific schools. He knows where his recruiting bread is buttered and if you come from certain schools, you will start out ahead. It doesn’t guarantee you will play, but you will get a whole lot more benefit if the doubt. The hardest part is having a coach repeated lie to you in meeting after meeting. Going through the recruiting process I really grew to respect Coach Z, but know I just wish I had gone somewhere else with Coaches who were honest and had an intent ti grow my game. I know a lot of people will read this and think that every coach is going ti okay the best players, but for Coach Z, he recruits so much better than the rest of the conference, he can play his favorites and still be much more talented then any other team they play. Just know, if you intend to play for Centre, you better be really sure that you played at the right place, have the right family, or are so good that he has no choice to play you. Really disappointed I. The man I thought Coach Z was.