Biography
Mike Zimmerman “Coach Zim” spent 35 years in public education including 25 years as Athletic Director for an education-based athletic curriculum. Starting out in Florida as a baseball & football coach as well as a physical education instructor, Mike moved to California where he continued all three of those roles in addition to becoming an Athletic Director at Baldwin Park High School. Coach Zim retired from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach and public education in 2016 and then moved back to Florida where he continues to work as an adjunct professor for Concordia in both the MCAA and MSCE programs since 2008.
Professor Zimmerman (Coach Zim) is a lifelong sports enthusiast, who chose this profession because of his love for education-based athletics. He and his wife, Barbara, were married at home plate at Candlestick Park in San Francisco in 1986 and have a daughter, Nicole and grandson, Levi, whom the sun rises and sets with his every breath in Coach Zim’s eyes. Now retired from public education, Michael works part time for the Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders, a minor league affiliate, as well as a starter/ranger at River Strand Golf and Country Club and enjoys golfing, biking, fishing and boating while living along the Manatee River. Coach Zim continues to give back to the profession that has provided so much for him and his family and continues to learn from every student that he has the opportunity to work with.
Education
- Associate of Arts – Miami Dade C.C.
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education – University of Florida
- Master of Arts in Education Administration – Cal State Los Angeles
- Certified Master Athletic Administrator – NIAAA
Honors & Accolades
- CIF Southern Section Athletic Director of the Year 2014-15 (Orange County)
- CIF Southern Section Champions of Character Award – 2013
- CIF State Athletic Director of the Year Nominee – 2010-11
- CIF Southern Section Athletic Director of the Year – 2007-08 (Los Angeles County)
- San Gabriel Valley Athletic Director of the Year – 2008-09
- President of Orange County AD Association 2015-16
- Orange County Representative For Sunset League – 2014-16
- Sunset League Rep for CIF Southern Section Council – 2014-16
- President of Foothill Citrus AD Association – 2005-06
Courses Taught
- MCAA/MSCE 510: Principles of Coaching and Leadership
- MCAA 540: Sport Technologies
- MCAA/MSCE 560: Interscholastic Leadership and Administration
- MCAA 562: Facility Planning and Event Management
- MCAA/MSCE 580: Legal Aspect of Sport
- MCAA/MSCE 595: Culminating Project – current