MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College Athletic Department announced last fall that it elevated Christian Zylstra to the role of Associate Athletic Director of Athletic Communications. Zylstra officially assumed his new title in October, and he's continued to serve the college's athletic communications department, as well as the athletic leadership team.
 
"Christian is an invaluable part of our athletic department and has an exceptionally bright future in athletic communications," said Garrett Jones, Director of Athletics at Montreat College. "His role is integral to the student-athlete experience, and he has done a tremendous job leading his area with professionalism and diligence. I'm excited to continue working alongside him in this new capacity as he brings his experience and insight to our athletic leadership team."
 
Associate Athletic Director of Athletic Communications is Zylstra's third title in less than five years at Montreat College. Zylstra first joined the athletic department's staff in August of 2021, then acting as the Assistant Sports Information Director. Three years later, Zylstra stepped into the open Director of Athletic Communications position, and in October of 2025, he climbed to his current role.
 
"I'm truly grateful to God for His guidance, as well as to Montreat's leadership for entrusting me with this position," Zylstra shared. "It's an honor to serve this community, and I'm committed to using my gifts to support our student-athletes, coaches and the mission of Montreat College."
 
Zylstra came to Montreat after a four-year stint at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. There, he served as a station announcer and sponsorship coordinator for the university-owned radio station KDCR-FM. Among his many duties, Zylstra hosted 'The Good Morning Show' from 6-9 a.m. each weekday, along with the 'Defender Football Pregame Show' on Saturdays prior to Dordt Football kickoffs. Zylstra also created and hosted a segment called 'Where Are They Now?' that featured interviews and conversations with notable Dordt Athletics alumni.
 
While in the Midwest, Zylstra picked up significant experience as a play-by-play radio announcer covering local high school and college sports. Zylstra acted as the No. 2 play-by-play announcer at KDCR for Dordt women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball and football. During his time with the Defenders, Zylstra had the opportunity to broadcast Dordt's first-ever appearance in the NAIA FCS Playoffs on April 17, 2021. Meanwhile, on the high school level, Zylstra broadcasted dozens of Northwest Iowa boys' and girls' regular-season and post-season basketball contests, as well as regular-season and post-season football games for Community First Broadcasting, a Midwest radio production and distribution conglomerate.
 
Zylstra also spent several years volunteering as a public address announcer for Dordt Athletics. For two years, Zylstra was the primary public address announcer for home football games. He also filled in on dozens of occasions as a public address announcer for home women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball contests.
 
Prior to his professional career, Zylstra earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Dordt University. While working toward his bachelor's degree, Zylstra also spent time with the N'West Iowa Review and KSOO-FM, an ESPN Radio affiliate in Sioux Falls, S.D. 
 
Zylstra currently resides in Black Mountain, N.C.