Zach Payne is in his third season with the Wolves. Payne joined the WOU men’s basketball staff after three years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. Over the three-year span, Payne coached the post players for a program that went 74-12, won three NWC league titles, three NWC tournament titles and advance to the NCAA Division III tournament each season. His responsibilities included post player development, recruiting, scouting, academic success and operational aspects.
Payne graduated from De La Salle High School (Concord, Calif.) where he earned East County All-Star honors for the nation’s No. 24-ranked prep team. He played two seasons at Diablo Valley College, helping the team get to the California Elite Eight in his sophomore year. Payne played in all 30 of the Pirates' games in his senior season (2012-13), averaging nearly 16 minutes, five points and three rebounds per contest. He graduated from Whitworth in 2014 with a bachelor of art degree in business administration.
“Zach comes from a great program at Whitworth,” WOU head coach Jim Shaw said. “He has played and coached for/with outstanding coaches in Frank Allocco, Steve Coccimiglio and Matt Logie. He has an extensive background working with post players and his ties to Northern California will expand our focus area in recruiting.
