Athletics - Head Coach, Varsity Field Hockey

The Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach is responsible for all aspects of the Potomac School's Upper School Field Hockey program, promoting competitive excellence, character development, and academic balance for student-athletes. The coach is expected to create a positive, challenging, and safe learning environment that emphasizes advanced technical skills, strategic execution, and the highest standards of sportsmanship. The program must align with the mission and values of The Potomac School.

This is a part-time, seasonal position, paid through a stipend and is not benefit eligible. The person in this role will be working with student athletes in an environment where academic expectations are high.

Key Responsibilities:

I. Coaching and Program Management

• Strategy and Instruction: Design, implement, and manage a structured training program that develops individual and team skills, and tactics necessary for competitive success in the ISL conference, and Virginia Independent School Athletic Association.
• Practice Planning: Plan and execute well-organized daily practices and training sessions, maximizing time efficiency and focusing on continuous skill progression.
• Program Oversight: Oversee the development of the entire field hockey program Intermediate School, junior varsity, and varsity teams, ensuring consistent coaching philosophy and skill progression across all teams. Foster a positive program culture that builds enthusiasm for both the sport and program.
• Game Management: Manage all aspects of game-day competition, including pre-game preparation, in-game strategy, and post-game reporting and analysis.

II. Student-Athlete Development and Mentorship

• Character and Sportsmanship: Model and enforce excellent sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, ethical conduct, and compliance with all school and league policies.
• Academic Balance: Maintain an awareness of student-athletes' academic standing and workload, fostering a culture where academics are prioritized.
• Mentorship: Serve as a positive role model and mentor, focusing on leadership development, and emphasis of the Potomac School Core Values of courage, humility, integrity, respect, and perseverance. 
• College Recruiting: Act as the primary liaison between college coaches and prospective student-athletes, offering guidance and assistance through the recruitment process.

III. Administrative and Compliance

• Roster: Select and manage team rosters, ensure all student-athletes are physically prepared to play.
• Communication: Maintain timely and proactive communication with the Director of Athletics, Athletic Training staff, coaches, students, and parents regarding schedules, policies, travel, and team matters.
• Equipment: Oversee inventory, maintenance, and proper storage of all field hockey equipment, ensuring a safe and adequate supply.
• Safety: Work closely with the Athletic Trainer to ensure player safety, injury prevention, and adherence to concussion protocols.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree and prior coaching experience
• Demonstrated ability to teach advanced technical skills and develop sophisticated team strategies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with students, parents, administration, and officials.
• Must maintain current certification in CPR/AED and First Aid.

Preferred

• Professional qualifications; i.e. NFHS or Positive Coaching Alliance certification.
• Prior experience coaching within an independent school environment.
• Familiarity with the ISL (Independent School League) or comparable high-level high school athletic leagues.
• Experience or strong ability in utilizing film analysis and modern coaching technology.

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks candidates of diverse backgrounds who embody our core values of courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and respect.