LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama softball program added to its coaching staff on Wednesday as head coach Stephanie DeFeo announced the hiring of Zach Hart as the program's newest assistant coach.

A native of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, Hart joins the Tigers ahead of the 2027 season after West Alabama captured its first Gulf South Conference Championship in 29 years in 2026.

Hart brings a wealth of coaching experience across multiple sports. Throughout his 13-year coaching career, he has coached baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and softball. He began his softball coaching career in 2019.

Hart spent the majority of his career at the high school level, making coaching stops at Scottsboro, Sylvania, Russell County, Woodville, Section, and Excel before making the jump to the collegiate ranks in 2024. In 2024, Hart joined Gadsden State Community College as an assistant softball coach, serving as the Cardinals' pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

During his time at Gadsden State, Hart transformed the Cardinals' pitching staff. In 2025, the team posted a 7.60 ERA with 152 strikeouts. Under Hart's guidance in 2026, Gadsden State lowered its team ERA to 3.40 while recording 309 strikeouts. Behind the improved pitching staff, the Cardinals finished the season with a 41-19 record.

Hart is on campus and is slated to coach the team, beginning in the Fall.