Over the years, Landmark College’s Soccer Team has always struggled to beat the Putney Men, a local community team in Putney, VT. Many players at Landmark, faculty members, alumni, and former graduates believed it was impossible for Landmark College to secure a win. In the fall of the 2023-24 season, Landmark fielded a strong team but still couldn’t defeat the Putney Men.
By August 20, 2024, the challenges had intensified. Landmark College did not have a coach, a practice structure, or a starting lineup, and many graduates had left. The odds seemed low for a successful season or for finally beating the Putney Men. Zach Hahn, the captain of the soccer team, Orientation Leader, Esports participant, and a Firefighter was determined to make his last season count by proving the Putney Men’s dominance could be overcome. Then, on August 27th, a turning point came. The team gained new students and fresh faces who brought new energy to the program. The arrival of Josh Ascani, the Athletic Director, as head coach and Zack Steinbaum as assistant coach further bolstered their hopes.
Steinbaum, Landmark College’s Graduate Assistant for the Transition at College program and Assistant Soccer Coach, has long awaited the opportunity to return to Landmark as a coach. This is Zack’s third year on campus, both as staff and a student. At 23 years old, Zack hails from Fairfax County, Virginia. He earned his associate’s degree at Landmark College in the spring of 2021 before transferring to the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. However, the transfer policies at his new school were not in his favor, causing him to lose a year of credit. Despite this setback, Zack completed three years of study and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Now back at Landmark, Zack is eager to guide the Landmark Sharks to victory.
As a graduate assistant and assistant soccer coach, he brings both experience and enthusiasm. Steinbaum always knew that Landmark wouldn’t be a four-year school for him, as he had bigger plans. However, he also knew that the study skills he developed at Landmark were crucial to his success. During an interview Steinbaum said, “If you go out, you join clubs, you join teams, you get big friend groups, you make plans with those friend groups. That’s what’s going to get you the most out of this experience.” He himself played for Landmark Sharks throughout his whole time as a student. He encourages many folks to get out of their comfort zone in making their success.
Josh Ascani, Athletic Director of Fitness and Recreation at Landmark College, mentioned that he first met Steibaum in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic. They connected through intramurals, where Josh quickly recognized Zack’s potential and hard work. Zack stood out to Josh not only because of his athletic abilities but also for being a positive role model and always offering support to those around him. He played for the Landmark Sharks and was known for his resilience and mindfulness in contributing to the community. Josh also highlighted how Zack is open, approachable, and a reliable point person for others.
Steinbaum currently works with Eric Gobel Lynch, Landmark College’s Director of Transition Programs. Eric explains that Zack Steinbaum is the first P-GAP student at Landmark this year. P-GAP stands for the Post-Graduate Assistantship Program, a program designed for students who have recently completed their bachelor’s degrees to return to Landmark’s campus in an employee capacity.
Eric notes that Steinbaum earned his associate’s degree at Landmark in 2021, while Eric himself joined Landmark’s campus the following year. He has already proven that Zack is a valuable member of the Landmark community. Steinbaum has eagerly taken on the dual roles of Graduate Assistant for the Transition at College program and Assistant Soccer Coach, seizing the opportunity to return to Landmark in a meaningful way.
Ascani stated, “Integrity is one of the greatest single indicators of success.” What Josh meant was that Zack Steinbaum’s journey—from completing his bachelor’s degree in Virginia to returning to Landmark College as both a staff member and assistant soccer coach—demonstrates significant compassion and integrity toward the community. Additionally, Steinbaum’s role in helping the team overcome challenges, including their historic rivalry with the Putney Men, highlights his dedication.
The Landmark Sharks still have a lot ahead of them this season. They face two back-to-back games, including a tough matchup against Bennington College, followed by the much-anticipated rivalry game against the Putney Men on October 6. The Putney Men will be coming in strong, but cheers to Zack Steinbaum and the Sharks as they look forward to the upcoming challenges.
