Park University Gilbert Athletic Director Jeff Fore announced the hiring of former Chilean international track and field star Andres Solo de Zaldivar as Interim Track and Field Coach on February 25, 2022.
Solo de Zaldivar received his USATF Level 1 and 2 coaching certificates in throws with a 4-module pre-course in physiology, training theory, biomechanics, and skill acquisition along with strength and conditioning in 2018 and 2019. He also earned a sports psychology diploma from Universidad Diego Portales in Santiago, Chile in 2010.
Solo de Zaldivar also received a MBA from Loyola University, Maryland in 2000 as well as a business forecasting certificate from the University of Notre Dame in the same year. He earned a higher educational pedagogy diploma from Universidad Santo Tomas in Santiago, Chile, in 2004,
Solo de Zaldivar most recently was the throws coach at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Ariz. Prior to returning to the states, Solo de Zaldivar was the throws coach for Club Atletico Santiago in Santiago, Chile, from 2012-2020. He led both youth and adult development and competitions for the athletic club. During this time, he was also the throwing events coach and coordinator for the University of Chile (Universidad de Chile) from 2013-2018. He was responsible for recruiting, infrastructure, planning, development, and evaluation for the program.
In addition, he was also Athletic Director and track and field throws coach at Colegio Instituto Ingles from 2016-2020 where he was responsible for nine teachers, seven sports and 1,000 students from K through 12.
Athletically, Solo de Zaldivar held the under-19 Chilean national discus record which stood for more than a decade. He was member of the Chilean track and field national team in 1986, 1988-1991,1997 and 1999. He was the South American Champion in the discus in 1991. He also participated in the South America Games (1986, 1988-89,1991,1997 and 1999), Ibero-American Games (1996) and Pan American Games (1989 and 1999).
“My passion to serve others was born from my experience as an elite athlete at an international level,” said Solo de Zaldivar. “I chose to dedicate all my efforts to develop young athletes to be the best they can be. Trust, growth and passion are the pillars of my daily work.”
