RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Nate Browne strengthened his coaching staff recently with the addition of Assistant Coach Zach Newsom, a distance specialist.
 
Newsom said, "I am extremely excited to be joining the coaching staff here at UCR." He continued, "After meeting the team and the rest of the track coaching staff, it was clear that this was the right place for my family and I at this time. The opportunity to work with such a young and talented group of student-athletes, who are outstanding people off the track as well, was too good to pass up." He reflected, "I want to thank Nate and Wes for taking a chance on me and the whole staff and team for being so welcoming. I can't wait to see what we accomplish this season and over the next several years!"
 
Prior to joining the Highlanders in the Inland Empire, Newsom spent the 2020-21 season as a volunteer assistant with the University of Idaho. Highlights from his time there include Malaina Thacker and Tim Stevens qualifying for NCAA West Preliminary rounds in the 3000m steeplechase and 1500m respectively.

In the 2019-20 season, Newsom served as a volunteer assistant with the University of Oregon. Newsom helped coach both the men's and women's Cross Country teams to the NCAA championship meet. He had student-athletes qualify to the NCAA indoor championship in every event from 800m to 5000m prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2017-18, he coached at Saint Mary's College of California, and prior to that at the Academy of Art University. There, Newsom helped coach Gatien Airiau to an NCAA Division II national championship in the 3000m steeplechase.

Newsom himself graduated from Saint Mary's College of California in 2017 with a degree in Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation Management. In 2020, he received his master's in business administration from the University of Oregon. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Newsom is married to Alanna Newsom and they have a one year old named Fall. Coach Newsom and Alanna are expecting another baby in January.
 
Coach Nate Browne commented on the addition of Newsom saying, "We are excited to get Coach Newsom started with the program.  It was clear in the interview process that he was the right person for the job." Browne said, "He is detailed, organized and passionate. These are just a few of the attributes that made him stand out.  He is set up for success with this distance group based on the depth that the previous distance coach (Rob Hansen) put together.  We welcome Coach Newsom, Alanna and Fall to our Highlander family, the campus and Riverside community."