Zach Miller’s Shifts From Soccer to Football; Commits to Westminster

Photo courtesy of Westminster College Football.

The old cliche that as one door closes, another one opens. That’s exactly what happened for Zach Miller, a senior at Ambridge and a recent commit to Westminster College as a future kicker for the Titans football program.

“What really pulled me towards Westminster was the all around positive energy that was brought when I was there. They have everything I need to be successful in my major (sports medicine) and that’s what I really looked for in colleges. The student body is very active in supporting the sports teams and helps you feel welcomed.”

A soccer player for 13 years, his interests shifted senior year as he switched to football. What ensued was one of the top seasons for a kicker in Ambridge football history and getting recruited by several different programs. But, Westminster remained the most consistent and transparent throughout the process.

“What pulled me to commit to Westminster football was the coaching staff. They were very active with staying in contact as well as being truthful. On my visit,  hearing how the team is truly a family and seeing it made me know Westminster was the place for me. Getting to know the team over time has been great and makes me look forward to making new friends and getting to be a part of the program.”

So far in his one season of football, his favorite memory was making a 30-yard field goal against Freedom to put the team ahead in the game and can recall the entire process from sideline conversations with coaches to the moment his foot struck the pigskin.

“I had previously missed my first extra point and was very unhappy. My coach, Sherman McBride, called my name from the sideline and pulled me close. He looked out at the field and pointed and asked if I got this from 30 yards out. I responded with absolutely, from that moment out I knew that my coaches trusted me in times that we needed points and I was determined to keep it that way.”

“I remember telling my holder, Adam Fernandez, to hold it inside more due to it being on the left hash. Going back to take my steps getting ready I heard nothing but my breathing. After making the field goal I remember hearing everyone and everything, hearing my teammates congratulating me along with getting hyped and the emotion was like no other. That was just a core memory that I will always remember.”

To become the student-athlete he is today, Miller credits his parents, Jill and Ron Miller, for the impact they’ve had on his life. “My mom and dad have been my biggest supporters and inspirations. Knowing that they were on board with me playing football and trying something new was very important. They knew I would play football with all I have and would do my best. I get my determination from both of them and to put my all into everything I do. I don’t think I could’ve been so successful without their support. That goes for on the field and in the classroom. They have taught me that as hard as you work for sports should be as hard as you work in the classroom as well.”

Aside from his athletic career, Miller is an Every Kicks Count Athlete. Count the Kicks is a campaign of Healthy Birth Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of stillbirth. The campaign has a growing network of supportive doctors, nurses, hospitals, and clinics across the U.S. that give Count the Kicks materials to parents to help monitor their babies. Miller continues to raise money to help support the organization.

From years on the pitch to a promising career on the gridiron and as a healthcare professional, Zach Miller is on his way to some of the most exciting days of his young life as a Westminster Titan.