WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- In connection with “Throwback Thursday” the Sailfish Athletic Department will be highlighting selected student-athlete alumni each Thursday on PBASailfish.com with a question and answer series. Today’s former Sailfish standout to be interviewed is former PBA men’s soccer and tennis player, Zach McElroy.
If you know of a former Palm Beach Atlantic student-athlete that you believe would be an interesting candidate for this segment, please email Assistant A.D. for External Operations, Michael Brown at: michael_brown@pba.edu
Q: What years did you attend Palm Beach Atlantic and what sport (s) did you play?
Zach: I attended PBA from 1998-02. I played soccer, tennis, and volleyball for the school.
Q: What’s your greatest memory from your playing days as a Sailfish?
Zach: Probably going undefeated in the Florida Sun Conference or taking home Athlete of the Year my freshman year.
Q: Since graduation what have you done as far as your career, etc.?
Zach: I had a full time job as a tennis pro the day I graduated. I worked with a lot of top ranked juniors in Florida as well as a couple of professional players. I did that for three years and then took a job at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach. I was the assistant there for a couple of years and then took over as Tennis Director and have been here 10 years as of August 22nd. My latest venture is that I have started my own management company called EXZACT ENTERTAINMENT! I am managing what I truly believe to be the next massive country music star! Her name is Brooke Eden and she is absolutely phenomenal! In the last year alone she has opened up for Alan Jackson, Florida Georgia Line, sang with Sugarland and many more!
Q: Where you weren’t on the field or court what else interested you while in college? What other activities did you become involved with? What are your hobbies or interests now?
Zach: When I was in school I just really enjoyed being social. I went to all the sporting event, played every intramural possible, always went to concerts and you could find me in the game room playing ping pong and pool quite often. I actually spent a little time as the school mascot as well!! And maybe some occasional pranks around the school! My hobbies and activities are still to this day very similar. Any sport…ANYTIME! I still play soccer with a lot of my alumni team in a 30 and over league and still attend concerts as much as I can.
Q: Who has had the biggest influence on you as a person?
Zach: As a person I would have to say a gentleman by the name of Bruce Hodge. He knew a few students at PBA when I was there and we became very close. He owns a Christian-based company called Nutri-Medics but also went to seminary and so on. A brilliant man who really helped me become the man I am today. When I graduated from PBA I also started a Bible study that lasted about 10 years with him as our mentor. I cannot thank him enough for the time and effort and knowledge he gave to all of us. Aside from him I would have to say my grandfather. I never really realized how incredible a man he was till it was too late but I aspire to be like him.
Q: If you could give a current PBA student-athlete any advice what would it be?
Zach: I would say take full advantage of the situation you’re in! Get your education and enjoy your student life. Always be willing to lend a helping hand and lastly take time to get to know people. I have a lot of things to be thankful for but my number one thing is my friends. There are a lot of amazing people at PBA and in this world. Get to know people yourself before you pass judgment because of something you may have heard. I promise you…you will be pleasantly surprised!
