2026-27 HEAD GOLF COACH - THURSTON HIGH SCHOOL

Springfield Public Schools is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and student-centered leader to serve as Head Golf Coach at Thurston High School. This is an opportunity to lead and grow a high school golf program while creating a positive, competitive, and inclusive experience for student-athletes. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the game, a commitment to developing athletes of varying skill levels, and the ability to build a team culture grounded in sportsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and respect.

The Head Golf Coach will provide leadership and direction for all aspects of the Thurston High School golf program and will work collaboratively with student-athletes, families, assistant coaches, the Athletic Director, school staff, and the broader community. We are looking for a coach who understands that a successful high school athletic program is about more than competition—it's an opportunity to help students build confidence, develop character, strengthen relationships, and experience the value of being part of a team.

The individual in this position will work to support a high-quality athletic program consistent with Springfield Public Schools expectations and Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) rules and regulations.

Qualifications Required:

1. Coaching experience;
2. Golf knowledge and playing experience;
3. Ability to teach and demonstrate golf fundamentals, techniques, strategies, rules, and appropriate sportsmanship;
4. Ability to work effectively with high school students and support their athletic, academic, social, and personal development;
5. Effective verbal and written communication skills with student-athletes, families, coaches, school staff, and administrators;
6. Ability to establish positive relationships and maintain high standards of conduct, sportsmanship, and team culture;
7. Ability to organize, plan, and conduct effective practices and competitions with appropriate consideration for the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes;
8. Ability to work within school district guidelines and budget;
9. Ability to follow District, school, league, and OSAA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations;
10. Ability to collaborate effectively with the Athletic Director and other members of the school’s athletic program;
11. Ability to appropriately supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, travel, and other team activities;
12. Valid First Aid Card;
13. Availability for daily practices and matches;
14. Ability to be District van certified;
15. Ability and commitment to practice cultural competency and demonstrate respect for diversity.

Qualifications Desired:

1. Golf coaching experience;
2. Previous head coaching or leadership experience within an athletic program;
3. Experience working with high school age students;
4. Demonstrated ability to motivate, mentor, and develop student-athletes of varying skill and experience levels;
5. Fundraising knowledge and/or capabilities;
6. Understanding of OSAA rules and regulations;
7. Good organizational skills;
8. Ability to work with individuals and large groups;
9. Ability to work with parents and booster clubs;
10. Experience developing a positive program culture that emphasizes sportsmanship, character, teamwork, accountability, and academic success;
11. Experience coordinating with assistant coaches and providing leadership and direction for an athletic program;
12. Ability to promote participation in the golf program and build positive relationships with the school and broader community.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Head Golf Coach is responsible for the overall leadership and operation of the Thurston High School golf program. Responsibilities include planning and conducting practices; teaching golf fundamentals, skills, strategies, rules, and sportsmanship; supervising student-athletes; communicating program expectations to student-athletes and families; monitoring student eligibility and supporting academic success; coordinating with the Athletic Director regarding schedules, transportation, equipment, budgets, rosters, and other program needs; and ensuring compliance with District, league, and OSAA requirements.

The Head Coach is expected to serve as a positive role model for student-athletes and to foster a program culture in which students are treated with dignity and respect, encouraged to grow as individuals and teammates, and provided equitable opportunities to participate, learn, and succeed.