Hayward to Help Young Athletes Pursue Their Football Dreams
Throughout both his playing and coaching careers, Zack Hayward was called on to be a leader for his teams, whether behind center or from the sidelines. As his many accolades and accomplishments can attest, he got the job done. Now he’ll be asked to lead a new generation of young athletes “down the field” toward their dreams as quarterbacks coach and football recruitment specialist for M:7 Sports Pittsburgh — a one-of-a-kind sports community featuring 40,000 sq. ft. of courts, turf, and fitness space inside Shell Sports Complex.
As quarterback for Blackhawk High School, Hayward earned All-State honors and set school passing records. From 2011 to 2013, he was an All-American and 3-time all-PAC selection for the Geneva College Golden Tornadoes, racking up 6,263 career passing yards, 42 passing TDs, 900 rushing yards, and four rushing TDs while setting school career, single-season, and single-game passing records. He was inducted into the Geneva College Hall of Fame in 2024.
After his playing days were over, he went on to serve as head coach for five years at his alma mater Blackhawk where he earned several Coach of the Year honors and acted as their Athletic Director for two years. He’s now the Athletic Director for Chartiers Valley going on two years.
“I’m excited to join Jim and his team, helping build this unique sports community that focuses on giving student-athletes the tools they need to succeed,” said Hayward. “The athlete’s journey is something I’m very familiar with, and I look forward to helping young athletes go after their athletic and academic dreams.”
With years of coaching, administrative, and recruiting experience, he’s the “field general” who M:7 Sports trusts to lead aspiring football players toward their dreams of playing at the next level.
“Zack’s character and experience, both as quarterback and coach, make him the ideal person to guide our quarterbacks and help other football players through the recruiting process,” said Jim Christiana, CEO of M:7 Sports. “He’s been in their shoes and knows what it takes and what to expect. Furthermore, his close ties to the region are a huge advantage as he understands the details of local high school and college athletics.”
Hayward also has a Business & Sport Management degree and a Master’s in Sports Administration. He lives in Hopewell with his wife, Marissa, and their three children, Cooper, Noah, and Adeline.