Sara Zilles - Assistant Coach - Staff Directory - University of Akron Athletics

Staff Directory

Sara Zilles

Title:
Assistant Coach
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Sara Zilles is a former University of Akron softball player, entering her first season as an assistant coach for the Zips softball program in 2024-25.

Prior to Akron, Zilles spent nine seasons (2016-2024) as an assistant coach at Youngstown State. During that span, she helped the Penguins achieve a 250-194 overall record and won 136 games in Horizon League play.

Last season, the Penguins captured their second conference championship in four seasons after posting a 20-4 Horizon League record and tying the school record for most wins with 36 in 2024.

Zilles spent the 2015 season at Ursuline College and worked as the Assistant Director of Softball at Pinnacle Sports for seven years. While at Pinnacle, Zilles implemented and organized instructional classes while giving private hitting and fielding lessons.

She also served as an assistant coach at Copley High School, where she helped the Indians reach the district final for the first time in program history from 2008-10.

As a player for the Zips (2003-06), Zilles was honored as the team's Defensive Player of the Year in her first three season at Akron. As a senior, she was named the team's Most Valuable Player and was a Second Team All-Mid-American Conference honoree.

When her eligibility expired, she ranked in the top-10 in program history in stolen bases, at-bats and walks.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Studies, Zilles spent 2007 as a utility player for the Racers, the National Pro Fastpitch League champions.

Zilles earned a master's degree educational administration from Ursuline College.