Zac Tapia has been appointed as an assistant coach for Upper Iowa's baseball team, bringing four years of experience from Chaffey College. Head coach Brian Voigt commended Tapia's focus on building relationships with players, strong recruiting skills, and commitment to holistic athlete development. Tapia emphasized that his primary motivation is mentoring players to achieve their goals through baseball. During his tenure at Chaffey College, Tapia's teams achieved remarkable success, including three consecutive IEAC Championships and a historic 34 wins in 2025.

By the Numbers
  • Achieved three consecutive Inland Empire Athletic Conference Championships at Chaffey College.
  • Led the Panthers to a program record of 34 wins in 2025.
  • His pitching staff averaged eight strikeouts per game in 2025, with three pitchers posting ERAs of 2.03 or lower.
State of Play
  • Tapia has begun to settle into his new coaching role at Upper Iowa.
  • He aims to foster a culture of personal growth, teamwork, and accountability among student-athletes.
  • Continuing recruitment efforts to attract quality players is a priority for Tapia.
What's Next

As Tapia integrates into the Upper Iowa program, he is expected to implement individualized development plans for pitchers and establish strong relationships with players. His focus on mentorship will likely enhance both the athletic and personal growth of student-athletes, aligning with the program's vision for long-term competitiveness.

Bottom Line

Tapia's appointment represents a strategic move for Upper Iowa baseball, emphasizing player development and strong mentorship. His success at Chaffey College sets a promising foundation as he looks to build on the existing framework of the program and drive athletes toward achieving their utmost potential.