Meet Zac Binenstock, an extraordinary 14-year-old freshman at Gallatin High School in Bozeman, MT. As a rising star in the soccer world, Zac has already made waves in the sports community, catching the attention of European soccer coaches and showcasing immense potential as an attacking midfielder. With a love for the game that has been nurtured from a young age, Zac stands out not just for his skills on the field but also for his leadership qualities and dedication to the sport.

Zac's soccer journey began with the Montana Surf Soccer Club, which earned recognition as “Montana’s Best Youth Sports Organization” in 2024 and has consistently been voted “Bozeman’s Choice Best Local Sports Team” by Bozeman Magazine readers from 2022 to 2024. Zac attributes his solid soccer foundational skills and development to his time with the Surf program. “The coaching and training I received supported and enhanced my skill development and helped me to grow as a player,” he explains, noting that he will continue playing with the Surf soccer club through high school. This decision will allow Zac to compete against teams and players from other Surf affiliate programs in tournaments nationwide and in front of college scouts and coaches.

One significant figure in Zac’s athletic journey has been his coach, Joel Harris, who was voted Gallatin’s Greatest Coach by Bozeman Chronicle readers in 2022. Zac credits Harris with playing a vital role in his development: "He’s taught me so much about teamwork and strategy.” One of Zac's proudest moments with his Surf was when their team won the state championship in 2024. As one of three team captains, he led his teammates to victory through skillful play and leadership.

Recognized for his talent, Zac has received the Offensive Player of the Year award for the last two years in club soccer. Now, as a freshman on the junior varsity team at Gallatin High, Zac practices diligently for two hours each day, focusing on refining his craft. His goals are ambitious: advancing to the varsity team next year, winning state championships, and continuing to play club soccer during the off-season. His ultimate dream is to play professional soccer in Europe—a goal that motivates him to train hard and push his limits.

Former American Professional Baseball Pitcher Vernon Sanders Law’s quote, “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward,” perfectly encapsulates Zac’s journey playing club soccer. As a standout offensive player with a remarkable record of scoring 68 goals in the 2018 season, Zac’s offensive prowess against local and regional teams was undisputed. However, when he faced more competitive national-level teams, he quickly encountered the harsh reality of experience: He was still but a “big fish in a small pond.”  While he still had the talent to score, he was also subjected to greater challenges and more vigorous opponents who tested his skills, strategies, and mental abilities on the field. 

This test on " playing up” to a more rigorous and competitive level taught Zac the invaluable lesson of teamwork. Realizing that he couldn’t rely on individual scoring alone, Zac adapted his game to include facilitating plays and assisting teammates to score goals. Ultimately, Zac emerged from this experience ready to embrace the complexities and nuances of the game and with the understanding that leadership isn’t defined as a “lead goal setter” but by making those around him better as a true team player.

In addition to his commitments on the field, Zac and his teammates also engage in community activities to raise funds for their club soccer team. One of their popular initiatives involves bagging groceries at Town and Country, where they pool their tips. This experience teaches Zac valuable lessons in teamwork and responsibility and strengthens the team's bonds.

Inspired by his older brother Coby, who played soccer before him, Zac's passion for the game has continued to grow. When asked about his favorite European professional soccer team, he proudly states, “Tottenham in the Premier League,” even though “they aren’t very good. " His favorite player, Memphis Depay, plays for the Netherlands national football team as a forward.

In a community that thrives on sports, Zac Binenstock emerges as a promising athlete driven by passion, skill, and an unyielding commitment to the game. As he continues this exciting journey, many eyes will be on this remarkable athlete, eagerly anticipating his bright future in soccer.