Grant Zimmerman

BIOGRAPHY

He was named SAA Coach of the Year for the second time in his three seasons in 2021, guiding SAA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Will Hubbs and Wills McCutcheon. Thirteen Colonels earned All-SAA awards for the 2021 campaign, while six individuals were named to IMLCA All-Region squads. McCutcheon and Jack Shannon garnered USILA All-America honors, as well.

Zimmerman made an impact right away for the Colonels during his inaugural season in 2019, guiding the team to a 10-5 overall record and the two seed in the SAA Tournament, earning SAA Coach of the Year honors.

A former goalie, he mentored SAA Defensive Player of the Year and IMLCA All-Region selection, Connor Jongewaard, who ranked third in NCAA Division III in save percentage (.617). All told, Centre placed seven on the All-SAA teams during Zimmerman's first season.

Prior to arriving at Centre, Zimmerman spent three seasons as the assistant coach at Denison. During his three seasons with Denison, Zimmerman helped the Big Red reach three NCAA Tournaments, including a national semifinal appearance in 2017. The Big Red won the NCAC Tournament each of his three seasons and was a mainstay in the top 25.

A defensive coordinator and goalie coach, Zimmerman helped Denison finish with a top-eight goals-against average twice. In 2016, the Big Red had a Division III-best 6.29 adjusted goals-against average.

Zimmerman was a four-year starter between the pipes for the University of North Carolina between 2006-09. As a junior, he was named a USILA All-American and was included on the Tewaarton Trophy watch list (awarded annually to the top player in college lacrosse).

In 2009, Zimmerman was the team captain and a Lowes Senior Class Award finalist. He was named to the ACC Lacrosse All-Academic team for the second time and was the winner of the Davy Award for senior leadership. Prior to graduation, Zimmerman was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the men's lacrosse program.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts at UNC, Zimmerman played internationally as a member of the Netherlands men's national team. He played in two European Lacrosse Championships (2008, 2012) and was the team captain of the Netherlands at the World Lacrosse Championships in 2010.

His early coaching experience includes work at The Gilman School in Baltimore, three seasons at Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, Pa., and a season at John Carroll, where he was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Blue Streaks.

Zimmerman and his wife Mattie, an Athletic Trainer for the Colonels, live in Danville. They have one daughter, Caroline.