Graduate Assistant Volleyball Coach / MAT Fellow – Project Coach (PC)

Graduate Assistant Volleyball Coach / MAT Fellow – Project Coach (PC)

Institution: Smith College – Northampton, Massachusetts

Graduate Program: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Appointment: 1–2 year fellowship (depending on MAT timeline)

Sport Assignment: Assistant Coach – Women’s Volleyball

Smith College invites applications for a Graduate Assistant Coach / MAT Fellow who will combine assistant coaching in Women’s Volleyball with graduate study in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and a coaching/teaching fellowship through Project Coach (PC).

This position is ideal for a current or former student-athlete who is passionate about teaching, coaching, and working with youth and who wants to earn a teaching degree while gaining meaningful coaching experience at the collegiate and community levels.

The fellow will:

1. Serve as an assistant coach with Smith College Women’s Volleyball,
2. Work as a Project Coach (PC) fellow, coaching and mentoring youth in local schools/after-school programs, and
3. Complete coursework and clinical experiences in the MAT program leading toward teacher licensure.

1. Assistant Coach – Women’s Volleyball

• Assist with planning, organizing, and running practices, team drills, and positional training.
• Support in-match coaching (scouting, substitutions, time-outs, tactical adjustments).
• Help with recruiting (identifying prospects, communicating with coaches and families, coordinating visits) within NCAA Division III rules.
• Assist with film breakdown, opponent scouting, statistics, and technology (e.g., Hudl/Volleymetrics/VolleyStation).
• Support program operations: home match management, travel logistics, equipment, youth clinics, alum/alumnae events, and community engagement.

2. Project Coach (PC) Fellowship

• Coach and mentor middle- and/or high-school youth in local partner schools and community sites.
• Design and deliver practices/lessons that integrate sport, leadership, and life-skills education.
• Collaborate with PC staff, classroom teachers, and school partners to support positive youth development.
• Participate in PC trainings, reflection sessions, and ongoing professional development.

3. MAT Graduate Study

• Maintain full-time enrollment and good standing in the Smith College MAT program.
• Complete all required coursework, school placements, and licensure requirements in the chosen subject area/grade band.
• Engage in reflective practice that links MAT coursework with collegiate coaching and PC experiences.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the start of the fellowship.
• Strong background in [volleyball/your sport] as a collegiate player and/or coach.
• Demonstrated interest in K–12 teaching, coaching, and youth development.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA that meets MAT admission requirements (typically 3.0 or higher).
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and to travel for competition and program activities.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with diverse youth and college populations.

Preferred

• Previous experience mentoring or teaching youth (camps, clubs, schools, after-school programs).
• Experience with video/statistical software and/or learning management systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience (team captain, head coach, camp director, etc.).

Fellows in this role receive a tuition-supported MAT fellowship through Project Coach (PC), which typically includes:

• Significant tuition remission toward the MAT degree.
• A fellowship/work award and/or hourly compensation for PC responsibilities.
• Structured supervision and professional development as both a teacher and coach.

Specific funding amounts, benefits, and program length should be confirmed on the MAT and Project Coach websites or with the program director and may vary by year.

Interested candidates should:

1. Contact the MAT / Project Coach fellowship contact to discuss fit and current fellowship details:

• Brittany Gaetano, Project Coach (PC) – Email: bgaetano@smith.edu

1. Apply to the Smith College MAT program, indicating interest in the Project Coach fellowship and Graduate Assistant coaching opportunity:

• MAT program information: [insert MAT program link]
• Graduate application: [insert application link]

1. Send coaching materials (can be combined with MAT application or sent separately) to the head coach of the sport:

• Cover letter explaining interest in the GA/MAT/PC combination.
• Current résumé.
• Contact information for 2–3 references (including at least one coach or supervisor).
• Email to: Greg Walker, Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball, Smith College – gwalker@smith.edu

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all fellowship spots are filled.

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and educator. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from historically underrepresented groups and those who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic, athletic, and community programs.