Web Threads: Zach Chambers
9/18/2025
By Christian Gravius, Associate Director of Athletics Public Relations
Web Threads are in-depth, behind-the-scenes stories from those at the heart of Richmond Athletics: student-athletes, staff members, loyal supporters, and more. Web Threads gives a glimpse into the ambitions, motivations, and sacrifices of the individuals who allow Richmond to excel at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics and academics as well as the philanthropy that supports them every step of the way. Welcome to our web.
For most college athletes, the grind of football season is all-consuming: morning practices, afternoon lifts, film sessions, team travel and game days. But for Zach Chambers, a senior linebacker at the University of Richmond, football is just the beginning.
Chambers, a Glen Allen native and one of 20 local players from the 804 area code on Richmond’s 2025 roster, has become a leader not only on the field but also in the community he grew up in. This past year, he served as the official brand ambassador for the Western Wildcats, a youth football and cheer organization based in western Henrico County.
It’s a role that brought Chambers full circle—returning to the same fields he once played on, this time giving back to the next generation by offering guidance, support, and inspiration to kids in his hometown.
“Honestly, I didn’t fully understand the influence we have as college athletes until I was out there,” Chambers said. “You’ve got these little kids walking up, asking you questions about everything—from what cleats you wear to who your favorite player is. That’s when it really hit me—these kids are watching, and I have a responsibility.”
As a kid, Chambers played for the Glen Allen Ravens—a rival team of the Western Wildcats—and later starred at Glen Allen High School, where he captained the Jaguars for two seasons. So when he received a message through Opendorse, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) platform available to all Richmond student-athletes, inviting him to be an ambassador for the Wildcats, the opportunity felt personal.
“They said, ‘We came across your profile and would love to have you as one of our team ambassadors,’” Chambers recalled. “I think being a local guy definitely helped. They wanted someone the kids could relate to—someone from their own backyard.”
Through the partnership, Chambers did much more than lend his name and image. He led youth camps, summer workouts, and team events—bringing with him not only the drills and techniques he learned as a young player, but the more advanced skills and life lessons he’s picked up during his time at Richmond. His engagement went beyond football fundamentals, emphasizing personal growth and resilience, making his presence in these young athletes’ lives a form of grassroots philanthropy.
“It wasn’t just about football,” he said. “It was about teaching work ethic, discipline, communication—things I’ve learned at UR and things I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
That spirit of connection also led him to speak at the ALL Stars Invitational Event, an event held by Richmond nonprofit Sports Backers designed to help high school student-athletes prepare for college life. Chambers joined a panel of current college athletes—alongside Richmond’s Senior Associate Athletics Director Lauren Wicklund—to share insights on balancing academics, athletics, and personal life.
“It was a room full of future college athletes, and I just shared some advice from my experience—how to manage your time, stay focused, and take advantage of every opportunity,” he said.
These opportunities to give back are just part of how Chambers is putting his Richmond education to work. A business major with a concentration in finance, Chambers plans to pursue a career in financial advising after graduation. He sees a direct line from the communication and leadership skills he’s honed as a student-athlete helping others make confident, informed decisions that impact their families and futures.
“Being on a team teaches you how to connect with all kinds of people, how to lead, and how to handle pressure,” he said. “Those are the same skills I’ll use to help clients make smart decisions with their money—just like I’ve learned to make smart decisions with my time and goals.”
Chambers credits much of his personal and professional development to the University of Richmond and the resources provided by the athletics department. Mentors like Wicklund and RD Montgomery have played pivotal roles in connecting him with off-the-field opportunities, such as his work with the Western Wildcats and Sports Backers.
Chambers' story is just one of the many student-athletes at Richmond whose lives have been impacted by the support of Spider Nation. We are grateful to the loyal supporters who make these resources available to our 400 student-athletes and the opportunities they create for them!
