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0 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest head men’s soccer coach Bobby Muuss announced the addition of Zack Schilawski to the Demon Deacons’ coaching staff as assistant coach / director of player development, officially bringing one of the most decorated players in program history back to Winston-Salem.
A former national champion, All-American and professional, Schilawski returns to the program where he starred from 2006-10 and helped lead Wake Forest to the 2007 NCAA National Championship, scoring the match-winning goal in the College Cup final against Ohio State to secure the first national title in program history.
National Champion. All-American. Demon Deacon legend. 🏆
Welcome home, Zack Schilawski!
📰: https://t.co/ESgObGQ7OL pic.twitter.com/4X0GS6F4tx
— Wake Forest Men's Soccer (@WakeMSoccer) May 27, 2026
“Zack knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level because he has lived it here at Wake Forest.” Muuss said. “Since leaving Wake, he has continued to grow under outstanding coaches and incredible people, gaining a wealth of experience that will immediately impact our program. He has a tremendous brain for the game, but what separates Zack even more is his unmatched love for Wake Forest and his desire to see this program succeed. His care for our players, his ability to build meaningful relationships, and his commitment to developing young men both on and off the field will make him an incredible addition to our staff and Wake Forest Soccer family.”
Schilawski arrives back at Wake Forest following a successful stint at the University of Pittsburgh, where he spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for one of the nation’s premier programs.
Mark va réaliser l'un de ses rêves 💭
Jouer une Coupe du Monde à domicile ! Notre défenseur est officiellement sélectionné avec 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑼𝑺𝑨 🇺🇸
— Toulouse FC (@ToulouseFC) May 26, 2026
Working closely with Pitt’s attacking players, he helped guide the Panthers to the 2024 ACC Regular Season Championship, the first in program history, and a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Pitt earned the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and went undefeated against nationally ranked opponents during the regular season.
During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Schilawski helped develop numerous All-ACC performers and MLS-caliber talent, including 2025 MLS SuperDraft selection Michael Sullivan.
Old Gold & Black ➡️ Red, White & Blue 🇺🇸 https://t.co/YIKy6T6ppB pic.twitter.com/B2w0Yxx2h1
— Wake Forest Men's Soccer (@WakeMSoccer) May 26, 2026
One of the most accomplished players in Wake Forest history, Schilawski appeared in a program-record 99 matches during his collegiate career while totaling 100 career points on 40 goals and 20 assists. He remains among the program’s all-time leaders in goals and points while recording 15 game-winning goals throughout his standout career.
“I can’t wait to be back at Wake Forest,” Schilawski said. The University and the men’s soccer program helped shape my life both on and off the field. The education, relationships, culture, and ambition that Wake Forest instilled in me have stayed with me long after I left campus. The opportunity to return to a place where I spent four unforgettable years truly means everything to me.”
As a senior in 2009, Schilawski earned Third Team All-America honors after leading the ACC in both goals and points. He was also a two-time Academic All-American and finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, exemplifying Wake Forest’s tradition of excellence both athletically and academically.
Welcome to Wake Forest, Rooney! 🇬🇭
📰: https://t.co/MWiTNtjkQv pic.twitter.com/mMgGW5J92X
— Wake Forest Men's Soccer (@WakeMSoccer) May 25, 2026
“I would like to thank Coach Muuss for giving me and my family the opportunity to return to North Carolina and Wake Forest University,” Schilawski continued. “In many ways, this experience has come full circle, as Coach Muuss originally recruited me to Wake Forest and coached me during my playing career. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him and the rest of the staff.”
Following his collegiate career, Schilawski was selected ninth overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution. He scored five goals during his rookie season and made league history by becoming the first MLS rookie to record a hat trick in his home debut.
Schilawski later played professionally for the Carolina RailHawks before transitioning into coaching and law. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law, he practiced family law in North Carolina before fully returning to the soccer world.
Prior to Pitt, Schilawski also held assistant coaching roles at UNC Wilmington and Denver, helping develop conference champions, all-region performers and professional draft picks along the way.
Now, one of Wake Forest’s most beloved alumni returns to the sideline where his collegiate legacy began, this time helping guide the next chapter of Demon Deacon soccer.
Credit: godeacs.com
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