Varsity Track & Field Head Coach

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Rapids Catholic Central is seeking an energetic, experienced, and student-centered Varsity Head Track & Field Coach to lead our boys and girls Track & Field program. This is an opportunity for a strong program builder to lead both the boys’ and girls’ teams as one unified program under a single head coach. The Head Coach will be responsible for establishing the vision, culture, standards, and competitive direction of the entire program while creating an environment where student-athletes of all ability levels can develop and succeed. The successful candidate will be an outstanding teacher and mentor who understands that high school athletics is about developing the whole student-athlete. The coach will work collaboratively with the Athletic Department, school administration, assistant coaches, student-athletes, and families to build a sustainable program that reflects the mission and values of Catholic Central.

Requirements

Previous high school, collegiate, club, or comparable Track & Field coaching experience preferred.
Strong understanding of Track & Field training, event development, and competition.
Demonstrated ability to lead a comprehensive co-ed program.
Ability to recruit, organize, and develop a strong coaching staff.
Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to motivate student-athletes with varying levels of experience and ability.
Commitment to the educational and developmental mission of high school athletics.
Ability to obtain all required MHSAA coaching certifications and clearances.

Nice To Haves

Supportive of the mission of Catholic education and the role athletics plays in forming young people.
A passionate teacher and mentor who understands the developmental nature of high school athletics.
An organized and detail-oriented program leader.
A strong communicator who builds trust with student-athletes and families.
A collaborative leader who values and develops assistant coaches.
A program builder with a vision for long-term growth and sustainability.
Committed to providing opportunities for both competitive athletes and students who are discovering Track & Field for the first time.
Dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the entire Varsity Track & Field program.
Establish a clear program philosophy, culture, and standards for both boys and girls.
Plan and conduct organized, purposeful practices that develop student-athletes across all track and field events.
Develop training plans appropriate for sprinters, distance runners, hurdlers, jumpers, throwers, and multi-event athletes.
Work with assistant coaches to provide quality instruction and development in individual events.
Identify and develop student-athletes at all levels of experience and ability.
Prepare student-athletes for regular-season competition, conference championships, regional competition, and the MHSAA postseason.
Create opportunities for student-athletes to pursue individual and team excellence.
Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Promote participation and retention in the Track & Field program.
Build positive relationships with student-athletes and serve as a mentor and role model.
Communicate effectively and professionally with student-athletes, parents, coaches, school administration, and the Athletic Department.
Organize and manage team logistics, meet preparation, lineups, entries, and competition responsibilities.
Assist with scheduling, equipment management, uniforms, fundraising, and other program needs.
Work collaboratively with the Athletic Department on program planning, budgeting, and long-term development.
Support summer training, camps, clinics, and other opportunities that strengthen the program.
Adhere to all Catholic Central, conference, MHSAA, and applicable athletic policies and regulations.