Zachary Tapia - Assistant Coach, Baseball

Bio

Zac Tapia enters the 2025–2026 academic year in his fourth season as the Pitching Coach at Chaffey College. Under his leadership, the Panthers have captured three consecutive IEAC titles and set an all-time program record with 34 wins in 2025. Chaffey’s pitching staff has ranked among the top five in California each season during his tenure and advanced to a second-round playoff appearance.

Tapia has developed multiple high-level arms, including ABCA All-American Braden Hofmeyer — the program’s second All-American in as many years — along with All-Conference selections Donovan Jackson (UCSB), Brock Mayer (CSUF), Joe O’Regan (CS Bakersfield), and Reliever of the Year/Preseason All-American Conner Luetto.

In the summer collegiate ranks, Tapia coached the Badlands Big Sticks (Northwoods League), guiding the program to a historic 45–7 record — the best in team history — and a .568 winning percentage. His 2025 pitching staff recorded 542 strikeouts (8.0 per game), highlighted by standout performances from Brady Owens (1.00 ERA), Dylan Kerbow (1.93 ERA), and Kasen McCawley (2.03 ERA).

A graduate of Bluefield University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Tapia is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sports Psychology at National University in San Diego. He plans to launch a consulting firm focused on counseling and supporting student-athletes nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to both performance development and mental wellness.