TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department announced the hiring of Zach Walther as the Lutes' new Director of Strength and Conditioning/Head Coach.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Zach back to Luteville! He has a deep connection to PLU and brings an extensive professional background that will continue the impressive trajectory of our student-athletes' performance," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder. 
 
"Our future is bright with Coach Walther leading the way. " 

A 2018 PLU graduate, Walther returns to his alma mater after serving as a virtual fitness and nutrition coach at trainwell. During that time, Walther additionally served as an adjunct professor of exercise science at Grand Canyon University.

Walther has considerable experience at the collegiate level, serving a strength, speed and conditioning intern at Division I Seattle University before being promoted to the assistant strength, speed & conditioning coach with the RedHawks where he took the lead training the University's men's and women's swimming, golf, and tennis programs. 
 
Prior to SeattleU, Walther was the head strength, speed & conditioning coordinator at Lindbergh High School while also serving as an assistant coach for the football team as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. 

Walther also had internships at Florida State University and with Volt Athletics.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve a university that has been so instrumental in my career and professional development. PLU is a special place, and I'm eager to bring my passion, energy, and experience, to the weight room and the athletic department," said Walther. 

Walther played college football at Minot State University in North Dakota before earning a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from PLU in 2018. He would go on to earn a Master of Arts in sport business leadership from SeattleU in 2021. Walther is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength & Conditioning Association is a Level 2 Sports Performance Specialist from USA Weightlifting, and a Level 1 Nutrition Coach from Precision Nutrition. 

Walther's first day at PLU is set for Feb. 17.