Zach Watson

Biography

Helping Cal Poly achieve back-to-back historic campaigns during his first two seasons as a member of Oige Kennedy’s staff, Zach Watson is in his third year as the program’s assistant coach and goalkeeper trainer. During Watson’s initial 2024 season, Cal Poly set new program records for fewest goals conceded (13, six of which were penalties) and fewest goals per game (0.68) while recording nine shutouts. Last fall, Cal Poly matched a program record with 10 shutouts while conceding just 15 goals in 20 matches. The results: back-to-back Big West regular season titles, 16 total victories and with Cal Poly’s defense conceding multiple goals in a match just seven times in 39 outings. Individually, Nicky McCune graduated with back-to-back Big West Goalkeeper of the Year honors (2024-25). Watson arrived at Cal Poly after serving as the lead assistant coach at Division II Newberry (S.C.) College from 2021-23. Heading the team’s development efforts, Watson also coached the program’s reserve side, directing Newberry’s second squad to the 2021 South Atlantic League title. With Watson on the bench, eight total Wolves earned All-SAC first team selection. “Zach is a valuable addition to our program and complements the very diligent and extremely dedicated staff we have at Cal Poly,” fourth-year Cal Poly head coach Oige Kennedy said. “He brings extensive experience in collegiate soccer from his Division I playing days and as a coach at the Division II and III levels. “His expertise in the go