Philadelphia, Pa. - (5/12/2017) – Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics and Recreation Lynn Tubman is pleased to announce the hire of Zack Ssebatindira, "I am excited to have Zack join our staff as our new head men's soccer coach. I believe his experience, character, and coaching philosophy will provide our soccer program with the strong leadership it needs to continue to grow in a positive direction and compete at a high level."
 
A former assistant coach – specializing in goalkeeping - at local Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) rival Philadelphia University, Ssebatindira assumes his first head coaching position at the collegiate level. He previously served as the assistant men's and women's soccer coach at Pennsylvania State (Penn State) University – Abington from June 2012 through November 2014.
 
"First and foremost I would like to thank Lynn Tubman, President Carol Jean Vale, Ph.D., SSJ, Jesse Balcer, and the search committee for entrusting me with leading the men's soccer program here at Chestnut Hill (College)," said Ssebatindira. "Throughout the interview process the heritage of the college was made clear to me. There is a special community of people here and an abundance of opportunities for growth ahead. I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to add my name to the ledger."
 
In two seasons under Philadelphia University Head Men's Soccer Coach Ptah Myers, Ssebatindira helped direct the Rams to a 14-15-7 overall record, an 11-10-3 league standing, and back-to-back CACC Men's Soccer Championship Tournament appearances. Despite respective opening round exits to #4 Chestnut Hill College – on penalty kicks, 5-4 in 2015 - and #2 Georgian Court University (1-0 in 2016), the Rams offered four All-CACC performers, including 2016 CACC Defensive Player of the Year in senior midfielder Seiji Rose (Toulouse, France). In 2015, the Philadelphia University goalkeepers ranked first in the CACC for goals against (17) and goals-against-average (0.87 GAA), and second in shutouts (7) while only needing to make – a league-low - 47 saves.

"As a young coach, I had the opportunity to apprentice under exceptional leaders in the Philadelphia athletics community; my former athletic directors, Tom Shirley (Philadelphia University) and Dr. Karen Weaver (Penn State Abington), and my former head coaches; Ptah Myers (Philadelphia University) and David Castellanos (Penn State Abington). The lessons I have learned along the way will stay me as I begin my time here at Chestnut Hill (College)." Ssebatindira continued, "I am tremendously excited to build upon the foundation that has been laid by my predecessors here, Julian Fernandez and Keith Cappo, as we look to compete both in the CACC and against regional competition. I have inherited a special legacy and together, with our players, look forward to adding to it this fall."
 
Ssebatindira holds a master's degree in business administration for finance from Philadelphia University (December 2016) – where he was a finalist in the 2017 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Research Challenge - and a bachelor's degree in organismal biology and physiology from Drexel University (June 2012) – where he was the president of the African Student Association and the assistant coach for the Dragons' Men's Club Rugby team.
 
Additionally, Ssebatindira is a youth soccer coach with the Continental Football Club and possesses both a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National D License (June 2012) and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) State Goalkeeping Level 1 (June 2011) certification. He currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.