Piedmont University Athletics

View Ernst's Playing Career BIo, Courtesy of Berry College

Ernst's Coaching and Playing Career Stops  School Name Seasons Role TOCA Soccer, AFU SA Camps 1 TR Berry College (2018-2021) 4 SA

Zack Ernst first came to Piedmont prior to the 2023 season, about a year after he finished up his own collegiate playing career at Piedmont’s in-state rival, Berry College, where he was an All-Conference selection in his senior year. 

Ernst also helped lead his Vikings to the Southern Athletic Association Tournament Championship that same season (2021).

Joining Piedmont after getting some coaching experience both as an individual trainer at TOCA Soccer as well as a team coach at Atlanta Fire United SA Camps, Ernst received high praise from Head Coach Jimmy Stephens at the time of his hire who cited the recruiting ties as a major reason for bringing Ernst on staff:

"I'm thankful for that Zack has joined our staff. His knowledge of the clubs in the Atlanta and surrounding areas will be an asset for us in recruiting and his positivity and passion for the game is undeniable."

Having experienced both individual and team success in his collegiate soccer career, Ernst leans on his coaching experience following his playing days and his mentorship under long-time Berry College Head Men’s Soccer Coach Richard Vardy, who had this to say about his experience with Zack as a student-athlete:

"Zack was great player at Berry, a fast and dynamic winger who could change games.  Really friendly young man who always represented our program in the best way."

Education
Berry College, 2022 (BS in Exercise Science)

Professional Memberships, Licenses, Certifications
United Soccer Coaches

Beyond Piedmont

Collegiate Career at Berry College (2018-2021)
Forward for the Vikings, All-Conference Nod in ‘21
Played in 53 Matches Including all 16 his Senior Year (2021)
Scored 9 Goals and Tallied 6 Assists in Career
Helped Lead Team to Conference Championship Title (2021)

~ TOCA-tally Prepared for Coaching Career ~ 

Ersnt was well prepared for a jump into college coaching as he worked for TOCA Soccer from 2022-2023 coaching over 500 sessions along the way.  

Founded by former US Men’s National Team legend Eddie Lewis, TOCA Soccer is a one-of-a-kind training experience which began with Lewis’ vision of his obsession during his UCLA playing days of working with a smaller than average soccer ball to get the most of his abilities.  

Working at one of the many TOCA facilities around Georgia shortly after his graduation, Ernst picked up on some of the same technique-building skills that Lewis envisioned when TOCA was founded.  

Through his efforts, 25 of the players that Ernst had a chance to work with went on to become collegiate student-athletes themselves. 

~ Once a Berry Viking, Now a Piedmont Lion ~ 

Spending his collegiate playing days with an in-state rival of Piedmont University, Zack Ernst was a mainstay at Berry College for the men’s soccer program for four seasons playing from 2018 to 2021.  

With 53 appearances for the Vikings to his credit, Ernst was a forward who earned All-Conference accolades in the 2021 season, his best and the team’s as well as the Vikings laid claim to the Conference Championship Tournament title in ‘21 as well.