Former UNC Pembroke wrestler Terrence Zaleski enters his first season as assistant coach in the 2026-27 season. Zaleski is a national-level wrestler, accomplished leader, and UNC Pembroke alumnus whose career blends elite athletic performance with extensive experience in program development, communication strategy, and athlete mentorship. A Jacksonville, North Carolina native, he graduated from UNC Pembroke with a Bachelor of Arts in 2015 before beginning a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps as an Officer, where he served in multiple leadership roles and represented the Marine Corps as a high-level competitor. He will be transitioning out of active service and continues to contribute to the sport through coaching, athlete development, and community engagement.
Zaleski’s wrestling career spans more than a decade of national and international competition. He is a 2x Greco-Roman Olympic Trials Competitor, 4x Greco-Roman World Team Trials Competitor, and 8x U.S. Open Greco-Roman All-American. His achievements include representing the United States as a 2023 Beach Wrestling World Team Member, winning both the 2020 Armed Forces Greco-Roman and Freestyle Championships, earning bronze at the 2018 Lavrikov Tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia, and placing multiple times at ASICS University Nationals and FILA Junior national events.
Before competing at the senior level, Zaleski built a strong collegiate foundation at UNC Pembroke, qualifying for the 2015 NCAA Division II Championships with a 39–5 record. His early success began in North Carolina high school wrestling, where he was the 2010 State Champion for Havelock High School and 2009 State Runner-Up for White Oak High School.
During his military career, Zaleski served with the All-Marine Wrestling Team as both an athlete and a Public Affairs Officer, supporting athletes' performance while managing organizational messaging, media production, and stakeholder engagement. He later held strategic leadership positions within Marine Corps Recruiting Command, directing regional marketing operations, managing multi-million-dollar programs, and building partnerships with educators, coaches, and community leaders across the eastern United States.
Now returning to his alma mater to pursue his Master's in Social Work, Zaleski brings a coaching philosophy grounded in discipline, technical precision, and athlete-centered development. His combination of elite competitive experience, leadership in high-pressure environments, and commitment to mentorship positions him as a strong asset to the UNC Pembroke wrestling program and its continued pursuit of excellence.
Wrestling Accomplishments
2x Greco-Roman Olympic Trials Qualifier (2020 & 2024)
4x Greco-Roman World Teams Trial Qualifier (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
8x U.S. Open Greco-Roman All-American (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019(x2), 2020, 2021, 2023)
2023 - Beach Wrestling World Team Member
2020 - Armed Forces Greco-Roman Champion
2020 - Armed Forces Freestyle Champion
2018 - Lavrikov (St. Petersburg, Russia) - Bronze
2015 DII NCAA Qualifier (39-5 Record) - UNC Pembroke
2013/2014 - ASICS University Nationals - 5th / 4th
2012 - University World Team Trials - Runner-up
2012 - ASICS Greco-Roman University Nationals 5th
2012 - FILA Jr. Greco-Roman World Team Trials Runner-Up
2012 - FILA Jr. Greco-Roman Nationals Runner Up
2010 - North Carolina High School State Champion - Havelock High School
2009 - North Carolina High School State Runner-up - White Oak High School
Updated: May 2026
