Continuing a prominent Lubbock Christian University tradition, head coach Nathan Blackwood welcomed back a former Chap to be a part of his coaching staff in 2008 with the hiring of Zach Barnard as the LCU Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Barnard, a Lubbock native and 2006 graduate of Lubbock Christian University, was known for his strength and power as a player and has an expertise in the field of strength and conditioning that few have.  A professional body-builder, Barnard was the 2005 United States Amateur Bodybuilding Champion and is the founder of personal strength and conditioning business Max Out Strength and Condition.  For the past couple of years, since his graduation, Barnard has worked in the sports nutrition and strength & conditioning field, specializing in personal training to hardcore athletes and MMA competitors.  He currently operates Max Out Strength & Conditioning.

As a designated hitter for the Chaps between 2003 and 2006, Barnard batted well over .300 and belted an impressive 40 home runs.

Zach is married to the former Monica Lopez, who is LCU's general counsel and a graduate of Lubbock Christian University.  They have two children: Bella (3) and newborn Zaya.