Girard College is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Head Varsity Girls' Tennis Coach. The Head Coach is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the entire Girls' Tennis Program, including the varsity and middle school teams. The Head Coach will oversee the instruction, development, and mentorship of student-athletes while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic success that reflects the mission and values of Girard College.
The Head Coach will establish a comprehensive tennis program that promotes technical skill development, match strategy, physical fitness, mental toughness, leadership, and character while creating a positive and competitive environment in which student-athletes can thrive. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of tennis instruction, singles and doubles strategy, player development, match preparation, and program administration.
Position Information
Position Type: Seasonal, Part-Time (Fall Season), Stipend Position
Reports To
Athletic Director
Responsibilities
The Head Coach is responsible for the leadership, organization, administration, and continuous improvement of the Girls' Tennis Program. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of the varsity program while providing guidance and support to the middle school tennis program to ensure a consistent philosophy of instruction and player development.
The Head Coach is expected to administer the program in accordance with the policies and regulations of the Penn-Jersey Athletic Association (P.J.A.A.), the Metropolitan Philadelphia Athletic Association (M.P.A.A.), the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.), and Girard College.
Required Skills
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Demonstrate advanced knowledge of tennis fundamentals, technique, singles and doubles strategy, match play, and player development.
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Develop and implement comprehensive practice plans that address technical skills, tactical awareness, conditioning, mental preparation, and competitive match readiness.
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Evaluate individual student-athletes and develop appropriate goals and training plans based on skill level, experience, and competitive needs.
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Establish and manage varsity singles and doubles lineups in accordance with team needs, player development, and applicable PIAA and league regulations.
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Prepare student-athletes for regular-season matches, tournaments, and postseason competition.
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Build a culture centered on accountability, sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect.
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Effectively communicate expectations with student-athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and school personnel.
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Recruit academically and athletically qualified student-athletes for admission to Girard College.
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Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches while providing guidance to the middle school coaching staff.
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Collaborate with the middle school coach to develop a unified philosophy, terminology, and progression of tennis skills throughout the program.
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Demonstrate excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
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Maintain a safe and positive environment for practices and competitions.
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Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods and work outdoors in varying weather conditions when necessary.
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Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Required Duties
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Direct all aspects of the Varsity Girls' Tennis Program.
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Provide leadership and oversight for the overall Girls' Tennis Program, including collaboration with the middle school tennis coach.
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Develop a long-term vision for the growth and success of the tennis program.
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Design and implement practice plans focused on technical development, tactical awareness, conditioning, mental preparation, and competitive readiness.
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Evaluate student-athletes' skills and establish individual and team development goals.
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Develop and manage singles and doubles lineups in accordance with league, PIAA, and Girard College policies.
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Prepare student-athletes for regular-season matches, tournaments, and postseason competition.
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Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches while promoting professional growth.
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Meet regularly with the middle school coach to ensure continuity in teaching techniques, terminology, expectations, and player development.
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Evaluate middle school student-athletes and assist in preparing them for a successful transition into the varsity program.
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Monitor student-athletes' academic progress, attendance, conduct, and athletic eligibility.
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Foster leadership, sportsmanship, accountability, resilience, and personal growth among student-athletes.
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Maintain regular communication with parents regarding program expectations, schedules, and student-athlete development.
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Coordinate with the Athletic Trainer regarding injuries, rehabilitation, conditioning, and return-to-play protocols.
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Oversee the inventory, maintenance, distribution, and collection of uniforms, equipment, tennis balls, supplies, and other program materials.
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Ensure tennis courts and practice areas are appropriately prepared and maintained for practices and competitions, and report maintenance or safety concerns to the Athletic Department.
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Prepare team rosters and complete all required administrative paperwork by established deadlines.
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Coordinate team travel and supervise student-athletes during all practices, matches, tournaments, and team activities.
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Maintain a valid driver's license and remain eligible to operate Girard College vehicles in accordance with Girard College policies.
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Complete any required driver authorization or vehicle safety training required by Girard College.
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Ensure compliance with all P.J.A.A., M.P.A.A., P.I.A.A., and Girard College policies and procedures.
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Demonstrate appropriate conduct toward student-athletes, officials, opponents, spectators, and members of the school community.
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Promote an inclusive, respectful, and non-discriminatory environment.
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Attend Athletic Department meetings, coaches' meetings, and professional development opportunities as directed by the Athletic Director.
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Collaborate with the Athletic Director to establish annual program goals, evaluate program success, and identify opportunities for continued growth.
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Support the mission and values of Girard College while serving as a positive role model and mentor for all student-athletes.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree required.
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Minimum of three (3) years of successful tennis coaching experience at the high school, collegiate, club, or professional level. Previous head coaching experience is preferred.
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Completion of all PIAA coaching education requirements by the time of hire.
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Demonstrated success in building and leading an interscholastic tennis program.
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Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to mentor assistant and middle school coaches while fostering collaboration throughout the tennis program.
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Commitment to the academic, athletic, social, and personal development of student-athletes.
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Ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, administrators, alumni, and community members.
Hours
In-Season
The tennis season lasts approximately 8–10 weeks and may extend to 12 weeks if the team qualifies for postseason play. Coaches are expected to be available for approximately two hours per day, Monday through Friday for practices, with Saturday availability as needed for matches, tournaments, or other team activities. The Head Coach is required to attend all scheduled home and away matches, tournaments, and postseason competitions.
Off-Season
The Head Coach is expected to provide leadership for the continued growth of the tennis program by coordinating off-season workouts, clinics, camps, open-court sessions, conditioning, and skill-development opportunities, with approval from the Athletic Director. The Head Coach should also maintain communication with returning and prospective student-athletes while collaborating with the middle school coach to strengthen the overall tennis program.
Season Expectations
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Attend all preseason meetings and Athletic Department meetings.
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Organize and conduct preseason practices and player evaluations.
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Establish team expectations, practice routines, and competitive goals.
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Attend all scheduled practices, matches, tournaments, and postseason competitions.
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Develop singles and doubles lineups and make appropriate adjustments based on player development and competitive needs.
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Coordinate team functions, including Senior Night, awards ceremonies, and end-of-season banquets.
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Complete end-of-season evaluations of assistant coaches and the tennis program.
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Conduct an inventory of uniforms and equipment and submit recommendations for future equipment purchases.
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Submit season summaries, program evaluations, and recommendations to the Athletic Director.
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Work with the Athletic Director to develop annual and long-range goals for the Girls' Tennis Program.
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Represent Girard College with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm at all times.
Physical Requirements
This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, demonstrating tennis skills, observing and coaching practices and matches, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and supervising student-athletes during practices and competitions.
Required Certifications
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FBI Fingerprint Clearance.
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Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
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Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check.
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Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
References
Please provide three (3) professional references from previous employers or supervisors who can speak to your tennis coaching experience, leadership, player development, and program administration.
