Chief Objective of Position
The Assistant Head Coach shares responsibility in all aspects of the program and works in collaboration with the Head Coach in establishing and maintaining a championship-caliber NCAA Division Ill women’s lacrosse program, providing specialized expertise and leadership to support the successful development of student-athletes in the classroom and on the field.
Work Tasks
- Assists in field and classroom instruction and coaching in lacrosse techniques and strategy of the Christopher Newport University women’s Lacrosse team; evaluates individual performance and provides leadership and instruction in developing the program’s attacking scheme.
- Works in collaboration with the Head Coach to plan, organize and strategize for the success of the CNU women’s lacrosse program.
- Design developmental plans for athletes to advance their skill and technique to foster individual growth and provide individual instruction, as needed, to accomplish the desired performance outcomes.
- Develop and implement strategies to engage women’s lacrosse alumni and donors to support goals and objectives as defined by the Head Coach and in collaboration with the Director of Athletics.
- Lead efforts to collaborate with the strength and conditioning and sports medicine staff to reduce athletically-related injuries while increasing the physical preparedness of women’s lacrosse student-athletes.
- In collaboration with the Center for Academic Success, develop strategies that support each athlete’s academic goals and provide support to the academic support staff, as necessary.
- Participates in the collection and analysis of tactical and statistical data of opponent teams; assists in designing game plans and strategies with a focus on the program’s offensive attacking scheme; analyzes the performance of the women’s lacrosse team and adjusts strategies as needed. Establishes game schedules as necessary.
- Counsels team members in academic, disciplinary, and personal matters; consults with University administration and faculty for resolution of problems as required.
- Represents the Head Coach as required at internal meetings and external functions. Utilizes independent judgment and renders decisions on a daily basis regarding the women’s lacrosse program in the absence of the Head Coach.
- Screens and evaluates athletic qualifications of prospective lacrosse recruits; coordinates with University Undergraduate Admissions Office to establish academic eligibility and arranges meetings between prospects and the University. Coordinates campus tours for visiting prospective players. Assists with new student orientation activities.
- Develops specific annual recruiting and retention goals in collaboration with the Head Coach and work with a high degree of autonomy in order to achieve these goals.
- Screens, hires, and oversees student managers and volunteers to assist in daily tasks to improve the performance of the women’s lacrosse team.
- Compiles and assists in the analysis of game statistics for an assigned area of Christopher Newport University women’s lacrosse team performance. Facilitates video exchange with opponents.
- In collaboration with the Head Coach, responsible for the planning and administering of the off-season physical training program in accordance with NCAA regulations; coordinates with the strength & conditioning staff to develop team standards for strength and conditioning; coordinates with the strength & conditioning staff to develop personalized training for student-athletes as required and in collaboration with the strength & conditioning staff, oversees the implementation of these programs during the season in accordance with NCAA regulations.
- Develops and administer a comprehensive plan to monitor the health and well-being of women’s lacrosse student-athletes throughout the school year. Works directly with athletic trainers, the Associate Director of Athletics/SWA, and other medical professionals, as necessary, to provide holistic support to each member of the women’s lacrosse team in collaboration with the Head Coach.
- Studies, evaluates, and recommends innovations in lacrosse strategy and equipment. Recommends the purchase of lacrosse-related equipment.
- Oversees the implementation of all team travel logistics in collaboration with the Head Coach.
- Promotes the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program to include adhering to all departmental policies and procedures, as well as the rules and regulations of the university and the NCAA. Responsible for safety rules and regulations regarding use of equipment to reduce liability and to ensure NCAA compliance.
- Represents the Christopher Newport University Athletic Department in professional, civic, charity, and alumni events. Participates in professional associations.
- Performs public relations and marketing activities to promote the athletic program; performs community relations activities.
- Coordinates, attends, and participates in coach’s clinics in accordance with NCAA regulations.
- Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies including students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
- Immediately report unsafe work conditions and work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
- Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
- Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
- Will serve as needed on campus committees and represent the Department of Athletics at university functions as designated by the Director of Athletics.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- Skilled in training and instruction of student-athletes;
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Organizational and time management skills.
- Skilled in using a personal computer.
- Ability to analyze complex situations and develop solutions that align with team, departmental, and institutional philosophies;
- Ability to travel and work non-traditional hours consistent with the needs of the position.
- Ability to foster positive internal and external public relations.
- Ability to learn and work with Conference and NCAA rules and regulations.
Required Education
Must have a Master’s Degree; or a Bachelor’s Degree and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree.
Experience Required
- Coaching experience at the collegiate level.
- Experience recruiting high-achieving student-athletes at the collegiate level.
- Track record of successful development of intercollegiate student-athletes.
Additional Consideration - Experience
- Experience in recruiting successful student athletes consistent with NCAA guidelines.
- Experience with NCAA rules and regulations.
- Experience in fostering positive internal and external public relations.
- Experience in recognizing, supporting and referring student athletes for needed academic and personal support.
- Experience in team management that includes supervising.
- Playing experience at the collegiate level.
Salary Information: Salary $59,000.
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.