The University of North Florida men's basketball program is welcoming back a familiar face with a remarkable story of dedication. Zack Freesman, who once served as a team manager for the Ospreys, has been hired as an assistant coach by head coach Bobby Kennen, completing a full-circle journey back to his alma mater.

Freesman's connection to UNF runs deep. From 2013 to 2016, he was a student manager, a role that placed him on the sidelines for one of the program's greatest achievements: the 2015 ASUN championship and the team's only NCAA Tournament appearance. That very season, Coach Kennen was an assistant on staff, witnessing firsthand the work ethic that has now brought Freesman back.

This promotion is the culmination of a dream Freesman articulated years ago. "I first met Zack as a high school senior," Kennen recalled. "Immediately, he articulated his dream of becoming a Division I coach... Zack's actions have matched his vision." After graduating from UNF in 2016 with a degree in Sports Management, Freesman built an impressive resume, gaining valuable experience at programs like Coastal Carolina, Western Carolina, Winthrop, and VCU, most recently serving on staff at Florida Tech.

His return to Jacksonville is a testament to the power of starting from the ground up. For every aspiring coach or player, Freesman's path—from managing equipment and aiding logistics to designing plays and recruiting talent—showcases the grit and persistence that define a career in sports. He rejoins the Ospreys not just as a coach, but as a living example of the program's culture, ready to help build the next chapter of UNF basketball.