The Head Cross Country Coach organizes, instructs, and develops student-athletes by teaching the fundamentals of cross country while promoting academic achievement, leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The coach is responsible for leading a competitive cross country program that emphasizes endurance, personal growth, discipline, and athletic excellence.
Qualifications
- Previous playing and/or coaching experience at the high school level or higher preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cross country training principles, race strategy, conditioning, and athlete development.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop student-athletes from diverse backgrounds.
- Willingness to join an affiliated coaching association, if applicable.
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
- Ability to satisfy all MHSAA, district, and school coaching requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the mission, vision, values, and goals of Chandler Park Academy and the school district.
- Create, plan, organize, and teach the fundamentals of cross country to a diverse student population.
- Develop individualized and team training plans that improve endurance, conditioning, race strategy, and performance.
- Plan and supervise practices, meets, conditioning sessions, and offseason training opportunities.
- Evaluate athlete performance and provide ongoing instruction for continuous improvement.
- Recruit and retain student-athletes while promoting growth of the cross country program.
- Effectively and consistently communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members while modeling exemplary sportsmanship.
- Provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of student-athletes.
- Commit to developing and conditioning student-athletes during the competitive season and offseason in accordance with MHSAA and league regulations.
- Build and maintain an atmosphere of fun, inclusion, mutual respect, and accountability.
- Work collaboratively with the Athletic Director, administration, teachers, and staff.
- Supervise assistant coaches as assigned.
- Engage student-athletes in academic mentoring and monitor academic eligibility.
- Be available to student-athletes outside of scheduled practices, games, and events for at least 30 minutes before or after activities.
- Maintain appropriate records and follow all required procedures and administrative practices.
- Monitor the appropriate use, care, inventory, and security of athletic equipment, uniforms, materials, and facilities.
- Remain informed of all school board, management company, district, league, and MHSAA policies and procedures, including student supervision, athlete welfare, concussion protocols, electronic communications, technology use, and safety requirements.
- Attend required athletic department meetings, school staff meetings, coaches' meetings, and professional development opportunities.
- Assist the Athletic Director and athletic department staff with game and event planning, setup, operations, and cleanup.
- Maintain a safe environment during all practices, competitions, travel, and team activities.
Work Location: In person
