Loyola University New Orleans Assistant Vice President of Athletics Brett Simpson announced the promotion of Jesse Zabal to Associate Athletic Director in November 2024. Zabal joined the Wolf Pack Athletics Department in 2017 when she was hired as the Head Volleyball Coach, then she moved into an Assistant Athletic Director role, along with her head-coaching duties, in February 2021. 

"Jesse has flourished in her dual role since we promoted her back in 2021," Simpson said. "She chose to focus on a career in administration and has a very bright future in our industry."

Zabal has been the Head Volleyball Coach since the 2017 season, amassing a 155-118 record to sit second all-time in program history for wins. Loyola had three 20-win seasons under Zabal, including an SSAC Regular-Season crown in 2021. She also guided the Wolf Pack to the NAIA National Championship tournament in 2023 for the first time since 2002, and that team's 26 wins that season were the most for the program since 2012. 

On top of her head-coaching duties, Zabal was elevated to Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance in 2021, and she'll continue as the compliance administrator for all 20 sports at Loyola. In her new full-time capacity, she'll work in conjunction with Simpson on critical path projects and track matters related to strategic planning, policy, and practice, as well as act in a more student-athlete-facing role by advising SAAC and identifying other initiatives to support student-athlete development.

"This has been a long journey to get to this decision, but it's a decision that I know is ultimately right," Zabal said. "I am so proud of all this volleyball program has accomplished in my eight seasons with them. To go from just barely making the conference tournament to competing with some of the best teams in the NAIA in an Opening Round match and during the regular season is all a coach could ask for when it comes to the growth of their program. With each new season, we accomplished new goals and put more names in the record books. I am going to miss interacting with this group in a coaching capacity and I am eternally grateful for all they have taught me and for allowing me to be a small part of their journey as students, as athletes, and as young women. I am excited that I have the opportunity to remain at Loyola and serve all of our student-athletes.

"I want to send a huge thank you to the parents & family members of the Pack who have supported us in so many ways over the past eight seasons. Without their support, we would not have been able to grow, improve, and seek new heights each year. I hold so much gratitude for Robbie as well, who has been with me on this journey for seven of the eight years. To land an experienced assistant coach was a game changer for us and he has been a huge part of our success, and I have zero doubts that he will continue to take this program to new heights. I also want to thank Brett, Camal, Bryiana, and my family & close friends for their support throughout this transition. Lastly, I want to thank Dr. Bourque and Dr. Cole for supporting this change and entrusting me to take on this new role."