PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke soccer head coach Lars Andersson has announced the addition of Zach Nipper as assistant coach for the Braves.

Nipper makes the trek to Pembroke after spending last season in Lynchburg, Va. as the assistant women's soccer coach at Randolph College. Prior to his coaching stint at Randolph, Nipper spent two years as an assistant coach for the Brookville High School boys' varsity soccer team, helping guide the Bees to a playoff berth each season.

"We are thrilled to have added Zach Nipper as our new assistant soccer coach," said Andersson. "He comes to UNCP with an impressive playing background both at the collegiate and club level. Zach brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and an unmistakable enthusiasm for the game and college athletics in general. Coach Nipper will be an instant asset to our team and will be involved in all aspects of coaching the Black and Gold."

In his lone season as an assistant at Randolph, he helped guide the first WildCat since 2021 to be named All-Conference.  

"I am incredibly humbled, grateful, and excited to be a part of the Braves family! I believe this is the best step in my coaching career and I am looking forward to growing with this team and university, and hungry to bring more success to this prestigious program," said Nipper.

A native of Chesapeake, Va., Nipper was a five-year player and three-year starter for Randolph College, and logged over 3,000 career minutes on the pitch for the WildCats. Nipper was also a three-time ODAC All-Academic Team selection.

Nipper graduated from Randolph College in 2024 with a degree in sport & exercise studies, and earned a Master's degree in coaching and sport leadership in May.