Written by Bryton Brown
Zach Gordy, a former football player at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, has found a new way to stay connected to the game that shaped much of his life. Gordy now coaches varsity defensive backs in Cambridge, Minnesota, while also serving as a youth pastor in Malacca. After his playing career ended, he chose to remain involved in football by mentoring younger athletes and building relationships both on and off the field.
During his time at Northwestern, Gordy created memories that still stand out years later. He pointed to Breakaway as one of his favorite traditions on campus, recalling both the excitement and disappointment that came with competition. He also remembered a key defensive moment during a game against Gustavus when he intercepted a pass and helped shift momentum. Those experiences helped shape how he views teamwork, leadership, and preparation.
Transitioning from player to coach was not easy for Gordy. He admitted that stepping away from being the one making plays took time to accept. Watching from the sidelines now gives him a different perspective on the sport. Coaching allowed him to better understand what happens behind the scenes and why decisions are made the way they are during games and practices.
Leadership, Gordy said, looks different as a coach than it did as a player. Instead of leading through action alone, he learned the importance of finding his voice and earning trust. That trust does not come instantly, even with a playing background. Over time, as players saw consistency and care, his guidance began to carry more weight.
Gordy also credits his public relations background for helping him communicate more effectively. He emphasized the importance of understanding your audience and adjusting your approach based on the individual. He connected this idea to former UNW coach Coach Boom, who influenced the way Gordy leads today. Gordy admired how Coach Boom balanced accountability with care and treated every player with value. “There’s not a feasible argument that Boom didn’t love you,” Gordy said. “Whether you would never see the field or if you were a record breaking player, he loved everybody the same.” That example continues to shape how Gordy interacts with his own athletes.
Outside of football, Gordy works as a youth pastor, a role he felt called toward after encouragement from several people in his life. Although he originally pursued public relations and real estate, those repeated conversations eventually pushed him toward ministry. Now, he balances coaching and youth work, both of which allow him to invest in younger generations.
Today, Gordy measures success differently than he did as a player. Instead of focusing on playing time or statistics, he looks at whether his athletes feel supported and valued. His journey reflects how lessons learned at Northwestern continue to influence his life. While his role in football has changed, his commitment to leadership and service remains the same.
