GREENVILLE, Pa. (Aug. 12) -- Thiel College Director of Soccer Zack Walters announced the Tomcats' men's and women's soccer coaching staffs for the 2026 season.
Walters, who was promoted to Director of Soccer in May, will oversee both programs while serving as head coach of the men's and women's teams. He enters his seventh season leading the men's program and his first at the helm of the women's program.
MEN'S SOCCER STAFF
Joining Walters on the men's soccer staff are longtime assistant coaches Phil George and Jordon Zajac, along with AJ Trobek '25, who was elevated to assistant coach after serving as a volunteer with the program last season.
"AJ is a tremendous addition to our men's soccer program and someone who understands the culture and expectations we've worked hard to establish at Thiel," Walters said. "As a former student-athlete and volunteer with us last season, he brings firsthand knowledge of our program, strong relationships within our brotherhood and a genuine passion for developing our players. His character, leadership and commitment to our student-athletes will make him a valuable asset to both our program and Thiel Athletics."
Trobek was a three-year member of the Thiel men's soccer program and a two-time All-PAC Honorable Mention selection in 2022 and 2023. He concluded his career ranked sixth in program history in goals (16), fourth in goals per game (0.35), seventh in points (35) and eighth in points per game (0.76). Trobek also earned CSC Academic All-District honors in 2023 and was named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll in 2023 and 2024.
George will work with the goalkeepers for both the men's and women's programs. The Mercer, Pa. native has spent more than a decade as the goalkeeper coach at Hickory High School and holds United Soccer Coaches Level 1 and 2 goalkeeper certifications. He earned his bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Edinboro and a master's degree in educational development and strategies from Wilkes.
Zajac brings seven years of scholastic coaching experience to the Tomcats, including time as the head girls varsity coach at Sharon High School and as an assistant with both the boys' and girls' programs. The Sharon, Pa. native is also a licensed high school soccer referee in Pennsylvania and earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Slippery Rock.
WOMEN'S SOCCER STAFF
Walters enters his first season at the helm of the women's program after serving as interim head coach during the spring. Joining him on the staff are assistants Abby Bernhardt and George, along with volunteer assistant Ashley Walters.
Bernhardt joins the Tomcats following a collegiate playing career at Hiram, where she started the majority of matches during her career.
"Abby is a fantastic addition to our women's soccer program. As a former student-athlete at Hiram College, she understands the demands of competing at the collegiate level and the importance of developing the whole student-athlete. She brings tremendous energy, a strong work ethic, and a passion for mentoring young women. Abby will play an integral role in player development, recruiting, and helping us build a culture centered on respect, accountability, and passion. We're excited to welcome her to Thiel Athletics."
Prior to Hiram, Bernhardt was a four-year player at North Ridgeville High School, where she earned multiple Greater Cleveland, Southwestern Conference (SWC) and Lorain County honors. She also received Academic All-State recognition as a senior.
George will serve as the women's goalkeeping coach in addition to his role with the men's program, while Ashley Walters will serve as a volunteer assistant.
The Thiel men's soccer team opens the 2026 season Sept. 1 at Pitt-Bradford. The women's team begins its campaign Sept. 2 when the Tomcats host La Roche.
