Swim Team Coach: Keith YMCA

The Swim Team Coach is responsible for developing and leading YMCA swim team programs, focusing
on skill development, stroke technique, endurance training, and team building. This role provides a
positive, inclusive, and competitive environment, helping swimmers reach their full potential while
fostering sportsmanship and a love for the sport. The coach ensures a safe and structured training
environment and supports swimmers in achieving personal and team goals.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction
meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope
– promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying
grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible.

Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater
purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they
occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences. 

Essential Functions

• Plan and lead structured swim practices, focusing on stroke technique, endurance, and race
strategies.
• Develop individualized and team training plans that align with swimmers’ abilities and goals.
• Provide constructive feedback to swimmers to improve performance and confidence.
• Supervise swim practices, meets, and team events, ensuring a safe and positive experience.
• Support and mentor swimmers, fostering a team culture of respect, sportsmanship, and personal
growth.
• Communicate effectively with swimmers, parents, and YMCA leadership regarding schedules,
expectations, and progress.
• Coordinate and participate in swim meets, including setup, warm-ups, and race-day coaching.
• Ensure safety policies and procedures are followed during practices and competitions.
• Track and evaluate swimmer progress, making adjustments to training as needed.
• Uphold and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and have a High School diploma or
GED.
• Minimum 3 years experience in competitive swimming or swim coaching required.
• Strong understanding of stroke mechanics, race strategies, and endurance training.
• Experience working with swimmers of various ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and motivational skills to engage swimmers and encourage growth.
• Ability to develop and implement structured training plans based on team and individual goals.
• Strong problem-solving and adaptability skills to adjust coaching strategies as needed.
• Familiarity with swim meet protocols, team management, and competition regulations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and travel for swim
meets.
• Passion for swimming, coaching, and youth development.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and positive team environment.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. 

Preferred Qualifications
• Current professional level first aid and CPR certifications. 

Working Conditions

• Work in both indoor and outdoor pool environments, with exposure to varying temperatures and humidity.
• Physically active role requiring standing, walking, swimming, and demonstrating techniques for
extended periods.
• Frequent interaction with swimmers, parents, and coaching staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, chlorinated water, and loud environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and assist swimmers as needed.
• Work schedule includes evenings, weekends, early mornings, and potential travel for competitions.

Competencies

1. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
2. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
   members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
3. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting
   practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
4. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
   all situations

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here