The Wakefield Chapel Wahoos, a 2023 division 3 swim team located in Annandale, is accepting applications for the head coach position for the 2024 summer swim season. The Head Coach oversees a team of approximately 250 swimmers ages 4 -18 with a variety of swimming abilities and backgrounds, and a staff of 20 paid and 10 volunteer coaches.To support a Wahoo summer swim experience that focuses on individual development, team spirit, sportsmanship, and having lots of fun, we are looking for an experienced coach with extensive swimming knowledge, a great attitude, energy, and enthusiasm.

Our season begins on Tuesday, May 28 with daily afternoon/after school practice sessions and switches to morning daily practices on Thursday, June 13. After-school practices run from 3:30pm-6:45pm.  Summer morning practices begin at 7:00am and conclude at 11:00 am. Successful candidates must be available for the entire NVSL season, beginning Tuesday, May 28 through the Individual All Star meet on Saturday, July 27.

Head coach responsibilities:

*Create and implement practice plans that are appropriate based on age and skill level 

*Improve stroke technique with direct instruction of stroke mechanics to ensure swimmers are legal and eligible for developmental and dual meets

*Provide constructive and appropriate feedback to all swimmers during practices and at meets

*Provide constructive and appropriate feedback regarding performance to all coaches during practice and meets.

*Prepare for meets by working collaboratively with team representatives and assistant coaches to identify eligible swimmers and compile competitive meet sheets.

*Direct set up and breakdown of all swim practices and meets

*Manage and mentor assistant coaches, lane coaches and volunteer coaches, including planning and leading weekly coaches’ meetings

*Plan and attend all pep rallies, in coordination with coaching staff

*Attend all required NVSL coach’s meetings and clinics, and all required Wakefield Chapel pre-season coaches’ and parent meetings

*Participate in all swim team events, including practices, meets (including all “A” and “B” meets), and social events

*Communicate effectively with coaches, parents, swimmers, and team representatives

*Model good sportsmanship and promote team spirit in keeping with the NVSL mission “To develop in each child a love for the sport, advanced aquatic skills, teamwork, and the principles of good sportsmanship”

 Position Qualifications:

*Previous NVSL or USA Swimming coaching experience preferred

*Previous competitive swimming experience

*Strong knowledge of swim strokes and swim techniques 

*Effective communication, organization, and leadership skills

*Positive team spirit and contagious enthusiasm

*Must possess a valid pool operator license, lifeguard/water safety and CPR/AED/first aid certificate, and USA Swimming Safe Sport training prior to the start of the season

*Knowledge of USA swimming and NVSL rules

*Experience managing staff and/or volunteers preferred

Coaching Compensation: 

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and in line with the average rate of pay for head coaches and bonuses within our current/future division. 

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for a minimum of two references who are familiar with the applicant’s coaching skills to Team Representatives Vicki Mansuy & Stephanie McNamara at wakefieldchapelswimteam@gmail.com. Preference will be given to applications received by February 19, 2024.