STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | August 12, 2026  — LSU New Orleans HC  Stacy Hollowell has added experience to his staff, announcing Zach Settembre as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Privateers.

Coaching Philosophy of Zach Settembre

Settembre arrives on the Lakefront with a résumé that includes head coaching experience, Division I stops and a strong record in player development and recruiting. Most recently, he spent one season as the head coach at New Mexico Highlands University, where he helped the Cowboys post their first winning conference record in six years.

“This game has taken me a lot of places, and I’m thankful every step led me to LSU New Orleans working for a great man and a national championship winning head coach,” Settembre said. “I’m extremely grateful to Coach Hollowell for this opportunity to join the Privateer family.”

Settembre guided New Mexico Highlands to a 13-19 overall record and an 11-9 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Cowboys qualified for the RMAC Tournament for the first time since 2022 and advanced to the quarterfinals before falling by one point in overtime at Colorado Mesa.

His impact also showed in individual honors. Marcus Pierce earned second-team All-RMAC recognition, while Ramiah Adedigba received honorable mention honors.

Settembre’s coaching journey also includes multiple Division I stops. He served two stints as an assistant coach at Tarleton State and also worked at New Mexico State.

During his first tenure at Tarleton State, the Texans finished 17-17, setting what was then a program high for Division I victories. Tarleton also earned its first Western Athletic Conference Tournament appearance, won its first WAC Tournament game with a victory over UTRGV and later secured the program’s first Division I postseason berth with a trip to the College Basketball Invitational.

Player development remained a consistent theme during that run. Freddy Hicks earned second-team All-WAC honors, while Shamir Bogues, who led the conference in steals, was selected to the WAC All-Defensive Team.

At New Mexico State, Settembre helped oversee one of the stronger defensive units in the conference. The Aggies limited opponents to 42.1 percent shooting while also taking care of the basketball offensively, averaging just 11.9 turnovers per game.

Settembre previously spent the 2021-22 season at Coastal Carolina, helping the Chanticleers finish 19-14 and collect three postseason victories in The Basketball Classic.

His most successful head coaching stretch came at Tallahassee Community College, now Tallahassee State College. After beginning as an assistant in 2018, Settembre took over the program and compiled a 46-9 record across two seasons.

The Eagles won consecutive Panhandle Conference championships, their first back-to-back league titles since 1996, while Settembre earned Conference Coach of the Year honors in both seasons.

His teams also produced several high-level players, including El Ellis, who earned Panhandle Conference Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and NJCAA All-American honors. Seven players earned All-Panhandle Conference recognition during Settembre’s tenure, while 10 members of his 2019-20 roster eventually signed with Division I programs.

Settembre’s coaching background extends to the high school level as well. At Louisville Collegiate School, he guided the program to a school-record 23 victories during the 2017-18 season and earned regional Coach of the Year honors.

A 2012 Syracuse graduate, Settembre worked as a student manager under Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim. He completed his undergraduate degree in three years, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in public relations and a minor in religion. He later earned his MBA from LSU Shreveport in 2020.

Now, Settembre brings that wide-ranging experience to New Orleans as Hollowell continues building the Privateers’ program.

“From the moment I arrived at Lakefront Arena, I could feel the culture, the energy, and the belief that Coach Stacy and his staff have built,” Settembre said. “I’m excited to pour everything I have into this program, helping our players compete, grow and lead while working alongside a great staff every day.”