Coach Zakariya

Coach Zakariya is a Year 2 graduate of Qalam Seminary and a principle-based coach who uses sports as a platform for character development. He meets players where they are, nurtures growth in every moment, and instills a mindset of hard work and positivity. A lifelong soccer player and elite referee, Zakariya began officiating at age 8, won multiple youth tournaments, and was a three-time intramural college champion. He reached the D1 college referee level before choosing to prioritize his Islamic studies, stepping away from refereeing to pursue sacred knowledge full-time. 

Professionally, Coach Zakariya graduated from Penn State University with degrees in Materials Science & Engineering (M.S.) and Spanish. He has worked as a Metallurgy Engineer for seven years in numerous industries including corporate 500, government contracting, and green technology startup. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor of physics at a community college in Boston, MA. Originally from Pennsylvania and living in upstate New York, Dallas, TX, and Boston, MA he is looking to settle in the Dallas area with his wife long term.