Zach Breathwaite was a two-year member of the Oxford College of Emory University men's basketball program competing during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 campaigns. During his freshman season, he was a key contributor to a team that won their first-ever GCAA Conference Tournament Championship. He was named to the All-Conference team.
The following year, he was named team captain and averaged 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. This earned Zach Conference Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American Honors.
We recently caught up with Zach to see what he is doing and discuss his experience at Oxford.
Q. What do you do now? Where do you live?
I am currently a graduate student at Georgia State University and I am working as a grad assistant at Oxford with the Men's Basketball team. I live in the Covington area.
Q. What were some factors in you choosing Oxford College of Emory University?
I chose Oxford because of the small campus, prestigious academics, athletic opportunities, and the coaching staff.
Q. Can you reflect on your experiences as a student-athlete at Oxford?
I enjoyed my time as a student-athlete at Oxford. I grew and learned a lot, and I made lifelong bonds with people from all over the world.
Q. Who at Oxford made an impact on your life?
Coach Stubbs probably made the biggest impact on me as the leader who I spent the most time around at Oxford. I admired his ability to remain composed in chaotic situations.
Q. Most memorable experience while at Oxford.
Winning the conference championship during my freshman season and helping to host the talent show my sophomore year.
Q. What was the transition like from Oxford to the Atlanta campus?
I transferred after graduating from Oxford, but my experiences at Oxford helped to prepare me for the rest of my academic career. The work ethic and leadership skills I developed at Oxford equipped me to handle academia as well as the professional world.
Q. Outside of your professional career, what hobbies or interests do you like?
Watching college sports, hiking, cooking, and exercising are some of my hobbies.
Q. Is there any part of the Oxford student-athlete experience that has benefited you professionally?
The leadership opportunities I had on the basketball team and around campus helped to prepare me for the professional world.
Q. Any advice to Oxford student-athletes academically and/or athletically?
Enjoy yourself always and try new things often, but be prepared to work hard.