Alumni Spotlight: Zack Byrd
5/20/2020 12:00:00 PM | Men's Golf
Today's Chanticleer Alumni Spotlight showcases Zack Byrd, a member of the Coastal Carolina men's golf program from 2004-09. One of the most decorated golfers in the CCU history, Byrd was a two-time Big South Champion, winning the conference championship tournament in both 2004-05 and 2008-09, and led the Chanticleers to five-straight Big South team titles from 2005 to 2009.
Byrd was tabbed a third-team All-American by both Golfweek and GCAA in 2008-09, while also being named to the GCAA All-Region team in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. He was also named the Big South Golfer of the Year in 2008-09 and the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2004-05. He was also a three-time All-Big South selection, earning the all-conference accolades in 2005, 2007, and 2009, and competed for the Chants in four NCAA Regionals (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009) and three NCAA Championships (2005, 2006, and 2007).
He was also a standout in the classroom, as he was a two-time Cleveland Golf/GCAA All-America Scholar, a three-time member of the All-Big South Academic team, and was named the 2008-09 Big South Men's Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
For more information on Zack, please continue reading the Q&A below.
1. Where are you living now and what are you doing?
I live in Oxford, Mississippi where I am the assistant women's golf coach at Ole Miss.
2. Did you know you always wanted to do what you are doing professionally?
It was always my backup plan if professional golf didn't work out. After 10 years of playing and the birth of our second child, I moved into coaching.
3. How did your time as a student and student-athlete at Coastal Carolina prepare you for your career and life after college?
I learned how to travel with the great schedule we had, learned how to practice with a purpose, and learned time management skills that I carry with me today.
4. When was the last time you had been to campus? How has the campus changed?
I moved away two years ago and I haven't been on campus since. I'm looking forward to coming back for a football game in the new stadium.
5. What originally attracted you to Coastal as a student-athlete?
It was close to home and I loved the community. I've bled Teal for a long time now. I love the Chanticleer community and I'm proud to be an alum and in the HOF (Hall of Fame).
6. What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at Coastal?
Playing in three NCAA National Championship Tournaments, Tommy Baldridge's home run against Alabama in the NCAA Regionals, Tyler Thigpen to Jerome Simpson in the James Madison game, and the best one by far was playing in the last group of the 2007 NCAA Championship and walking the fairways in Virginia to people yelling 'Go Chants!' ... and they had no clue who Coastal was.
7. How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
I still talk to several of my teammates regularly.
8. What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing with my kids, traveling, and fishing.
9. What advice would you have for the current student-athletes at Coastal?
Enjoy this time, because I promise you it will be the best time of your life. The time flies by and when you look back on it, you will have memories that will last a lifetime. Chants Up!
To view other Chanticleer Alumni Spotlight Features, CLICK HERE.
Byrd was tabbed a third-team All-American by both Golfweek and GCAA in 2008-09, while also being named to the GCAA All-Region team in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. He was also named the Big South Golfer of the Year in 2008-09 and the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2004-05. He was also a three-time All-Big South selection, earning the all-conference accolades in 2005, 2007, and 2009, and competed for the Chants in four NCAA Regionals (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009) and three NCAA Championships (2005, 2006, and 2007).
He was also a standout in the classroom, as he was a two-time Cleveland Golf/GCAA All-America Scholar, a three-time member of the All-Big South Academic team, and was named the 2008-09 Big South Men's Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
For more information on Zack, please continue reading the Q&A below.
1. Where are you living now and what are you doing?I live in Oxford, Mississippi where I am the assistant women's golf coach at Ole Miss.
2. Did you know you always wanted to do what you are doing professionally?
It was always my backup plan if professional golf didn't work out. After 10 years of playing and the birth of our second child, I moved into coaching.
3. How did your time as a student and student-athlete at Coastal Carolina prepare you for your career and life after college?
I learned how to travel with the great schedule we had, learned how to practice with a purpose, and learned time management skills that I carry with me today.
4. When was the last time you had been to campus? How has the campus changed?
I moved away two years ago and I haven't been on campus since. I'm looking forward to coming back for a football game in the new stadium.
5. What originally attracted you to Coastal as a student-athlete?
It was close to home and I loved the community. I've bled Teal for a long time now. I love the Chanticleer community and I'm proud to be an alum and in the HOF (Hall of Fame).
6. What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at Coastal?
Playing in three NCAA National Championship Tournaments, Tommy Baldridge's home run against Alabama in the NCAA Regionals, Tyler Thigpen to Jerome Simpson in the James Madison game, and the best one by far was playing in the last group of the 2007 NCAA Championship and walking the fairways in Virginia to people yelling 'Go Chants!' ... and they had no clue who Coastal was.
7. How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
I still talk to several of my teammates regularly.
8. What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing with my kids, traveling, and fishing.
9. What advice would you have for the current student-athletes at Coastal?
Enjoy this time, because I promise you it will be the best time of your life. The time flies by and when you look back on it, you will have memories that will last a lifetime. Chants Up!
To view other Chanticleer Alumni Spotlight Features, CLICK HERE.
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