SUMMIT – Zach Mills has been hired as head coach for the Southwest Mississippi Community College men’s soccer program. He will also serve as interim coach for the women.

The hiring of Mills, who spent the past three seasons as assistant for both teams at Southwest, was approved Tuesday night by the school’s Board of Trustees and comes following the resignation of Drew Gallant. Gallant recently accepted the men’s head coaching position at Pearl River Community College.

Mills came to Southwest in 2012 after three seasons as coach of the boys’ soccer team at his alma mater, Petal High School. As a sophomore and senior, he led the Panthers in scoring and played in the Mississippi High School All-Star game in his final season. In his first season as coach, he helped guide the team to a district championship.

A 2010 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a degree in Business Administration, Mills also attended and played soccer at Jones County Junior College and Delta State University. He is currently working toward a Master’s degree in Spanish and also a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages).

In between his second and third seasons at Southwest, Mills played professional soccer in Peru. He led his team in scoring with 32 points.

“First, I want to thank (Southwest president) Dr. (Steve) Bishop, Dr. Ashley and the board members for giving me this opportunity,” Mills said. “I’m very blessed. I thank God for my abilities (and) I’m glad Southwest has noticed my skills and the effort I’ve put toward (the soccer programs).”

Mills also thanked Gallant “for everything I’ve learned. I’m excited for him. I’m glad he got his opportunity. But, I can’t wait to put my own personal touch on this program. I’m looking forward to next season and am looking forward to the spring because all of our players can’t wait to improve (and) train hard.”

“The players coming back are excited,” Mills said, “(and) the (new) players coming in are excited and I’m very excited, as well, about the next season. We’re ready to go.”

Southwest Sports Information