Highlands Swim & Tennis Club, a NVSL Division 1 swim team, is seeking a high-energy, kid-friendly, and experienced Head Coach with strong stroke development and technical skills for the 2025 summer swim season.

The Highlands Whomping Turtles, based in McLean, VA, have approximately 250 swimmers ages 5 - 18, with an extensive pipeline of young swimmers in the Highlands developmental swim program. We value our positive team culture and are equally focused on swimming fast, having fun, and promoting good sportsmanship. The Whomping Turtles practice schedule starts mid- to late-May and ends on the last Saturday in July. Meets are held Monday evenings and Saturday mornings throughout June and July plus relay meets on two Wednesday evenings. The Head Coach is expected to attend all practices, meets and official team activities.

 Head Coach Responsibilities:

• Foster a fun, positive, safe, and inviting experience for all swimmers of all skill levels
• Develop and implement practice plans for swimmers of all ages and levels, and supervise coaching staff’s execution of the plans
• Ensure all swimmers receive constructive and appropriate feedback regarding performance and swim technique during practices and meets
• Mentor and manage swim team coaching staff, including assistant coaches and multiple lane coaches
• Work collaboratively with the Head Whompers Coach (The Whompers program is the Highlands developmental swim group for our youngest Whomping Turtles)
• Actively and enthusiastically attend and participate in all swim team meets, Friday evening pep rallies, and social events
• Take the lead on meet preparation, including creating competitive Saturday A meet line-ups, reviewing and approving meet entries, and confirming swimmer eligibility
• Foster our beloved Whomping Turtles culture, which prioritizes positivity, sportsmanship and fun. Cultivate team spirit and work with coaching staff to coordinate cheers, select meet and pep rally themes, motivate and celebrate swimmer accomplishments, model and teach good sportsmanship, and have fun!
• Work with Swim Team Reps during the off-season on staffing decisions and season planning
• Maintain effective communications and working relationships with the Swim Team Reps and Highlands Board

 Requirements:

• 5+ years of swim coaching experience
• 2+ years of NVSL coaching experience (NVSL head coaching experience preferred, including experience managing a coaching staff)
• Experience and interest in working with children of all ages and swim abilities
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with NVSL rules
• Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills
• Good judgment and a firm commitment to promoting a positive team culture and good sportsmanshipHow to apply:

To apply, please email resume and cover letter / statement of interest to swimteam@whompingturtles.org.