HICKORY, N.C. - Holly Zador, who will be starting her second year with the Lenoir-Rhyne women's soccer program in the fall, has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, as announced by head coach Justin Maullin on Monday. 

"Holly has been a great addition to our staff and program and was a huge part of our success this past season," said Maullin. "She is a hard worker, an excellent coach, tireless recruiter, and great with our players and families."

This past season Zador helped lead the Bears to their third Southeast Regional Title in five years, finishing with a record of 13-5-3 (7-1-2 SAC). They finished the year ranked #8 in the country, tied for the second highest end of year ranking in program history. 

Prior to joining the staff at Lenoir-Rhyne she spend four years at Mars Hill, leading the Lions to their best season in 11 years during the 2023 campaign. A highly accomplished player at Limestone University, Zador was named team captain during the spring semester of her freshman year.  From 2016-2018, she was named an All-Conference Carolinas First-Team selection, First-Team D2CCA & NSCA All-Southeast Region selection, as well as Conference Carolinas All-Academic team.

She added Second-Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2017 and a Third-Team selection in 2018.  In her senior season, Zador was recognized as a First-Team United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and the Conference Carolinas Scholar Athlete of the Year. She helped the Saints win four conference tournament and three regular season Conference Carolinas crowns. 

Zador began her coaching career as a community coach at AFC Fylde Community Foundation in 2011.  She volunteered throughout the decade at Preston North End Football Club and with the Sir Tom Finney Foundation.

"Holly is very worth of this title and promotion; she has already been a head coach in this league and know what it takes to run a top ranked DII program. With Holly on our staff in this new role our program is positioned for further success."