Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Zachary Arceneaux feels that he's spent most of his life on the soccer field. His passion for the sport as he grew up included not only kicking the ball around with his younger brothers, Nick and Matthew, in the yard of their home in Monticello, but also playing competitive travel soccer through high school, serving for eight years as a soccer referee and, finally, pursuing a career in coaching.
Zack's parents, Byron and Michele Arceneaux, moved their family to Monticello about 10 years ago. Zack attended Aucilla Christian Academy, graduating in 2015. Then he moved to Leon County to attend Florida State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in International Affairs and Political Science in 2019. That same year, he began working at Maclay School in Tallahassee, as a summer camp coach. To further pursue a career as a coach, he obtained a coaching license with the U.S. Soccer Federation and is working on a master's degree in Sports Management. Last year, he joined the Maclay faculty as an assistant teacher and physical education coach in the lower school.
For the 2022-23 school year, Maclay has promoted Arceneux to be its next head coach for Varsity Girls Soccer, following the retirement of longtime Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Paul Dickson.
Maclay's Director of Soccer, Andy Warner, announced, “We are excited to name Zack Arceneaux as our next girls varsity head coach. A coach and teacher at Maclay School, Zack has demonstrated to all around him both in the classroom and on the field that he has the enthusiasm, drive and determination to lead the girls program.”
Arceneaux says he is extremely grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.
“I want to acknowledge the incredible work that Coach Warner and Coach Dickson have done with the program over the years,” said Arceneaux. “The ongoing tradition of success that has been established is one that I look forward to continuing in the future. Coach Dickson’s impact is one that will be felt for years to come, and I truly appreciate what he has done for Maclay Soccer.”
Dixon had coached for 15 years at Maclay and accumulated an impressive record of 223-73-31. Over the last decade and half, the Marauders won 14 district championships.
Warner added, “Having the support of Coach Dickson has also played a key role in hiring Zack. The opportunity to have a seamless transfer from one coach to another will allow continuity and new leadership. The future of Maclay Soccer is very bright and having a coach who has worked with all age groups in the school provides a long-term horizon for the program.”
Arcenequx is looking forward to this next step in his coaching career with the Maclay Marauders.
“It will be challenging replacing the outgoing seniors,” says Zack, “but there are younger players definitely ready to step into their shoes.”
He's already begun working with members of his team during the summer off-season and is excited for the fall, when he'll have the whole team training together and competing with other teams in the area.
“I love being able to see the players grow,” he says. “When a player gets a concept and learns a skill over the course of the season, it's very rewarding. Soccer is the sport I am most passionate about. I could make a difference in the community – that's why I got into coaching.”
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