Zach Lucas enters his third season as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at The Citadel. Lucas works with the infielders while also serving as the team’s third-base coach.
Lucas helped the Bulldogs increase their power numbers as The Citadel hit 34 home runs during the 2021 season, the most since 2015. Additionally, the Bulldogs raised their team batting average by over 30 points from their last full season in 2019.
The power numbers were supplied by Ryan McCarthy who had 13 doubles, two triples and 11 home runs. His 11 long balls were the most since Drew Ellis hit 12 in 2015.
The relationship between Lucas and Skole dates back several years as the duo worked together for two seasons at ETSU.
Lucas came to the Lowcountry after spending the fall of 2019 as the volunteer assistant coach at Houston. In his role with the Cougars, Lucas worked with the outfielders and served as the camp coordinator.
Lucas spent the 2019 season as a graduate assistant under former Bulldog Chris Lemonis at Mississippi State. Lucas assisted with infield, base running and hitting as MSU advanced to the College World Series.
Lucas worked as the volunteer assistant at Indiana under Lemonis in 2018. The Hoosiers would win 40 games and advance to the Austin Regional. Lucas served as the infield coach for a team that fielded .977 and turned 52 double plays. Two players, Luke Miller and Logan Sowers, were selected in the 2018 MLB draft.
After serving as the volunteer assistant under Skole at ETSU in 2016, Lucas was promoted to a full-time assistant for the 2017 season. He worked with the hitters and outfielders, while also serving as the third-base coach. The 2017 season saw the Bucs hit .309 with a league-high 130 doubles and a .467 slugging percentage.
Lucas assisted with the hitters and served as the first-base coach during the 2016 season. During that season, ETSU hit .307 with 75 home runs and a .491 slugging percentage. The Bucs also stole 83 bases.
Lucas joined the coaching ranks after a standout playing career for former Bulldog Dan McDonnell at Louisville. Lucas helped the Cardinals to four regional appearances, three Super Regionals and two trips to the College World Series.
The two-time captain, Lucas started 184 games in his collegiate career and earned Third-Team All-American Conference in 2014. He received the Jimmy Carraro Award that is given to the Louisville player who exemplifies strong character both on and off the field.
Lucas finished his collegiate career by hitting .261 with 42 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 83 walks, 102 RBIs, 110 runs scored and 33 stolen bases.
Lucas was a four-year letterwinner at Butler High School. He was named the 2011 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year after hitting .450 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs and 25 runs scored.
