2026 Jr. Coach Info & Application Link
Essential Info:
Our 2026 Jr. Coach program is open for applications... read below to learn more about the structure and expectations, application process, and upcoming timelines.
Feel free to reach out to Coach Katie at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
(NOTE- open to 13-18 years old and ideally have completed eighth grade, exceptions to grade based on application details and interview; our strong 11-12 year olds will be part of the an essential, but less formal mentoring group, active in demonstration, supporting both the coaching staff and younger swimmers)
Timeline
17 March- Applications Open (until filled OR)
15 April- Applications Close
21 April- Confirmation of references and interviews with Coach Katie (virtual)
1 May- Jr. Coaches Announced (via website and email)
12 May- **NOTE Date Change** Virtual, MANDATORY Jr. Coach Kickoff Meeting 5:45PM-6:45PM
The Jr. Coach Program is designed to:
- Develop leadership skills in teen athletes
- Strengthen technical swim instruction at all levels
- Support positive team culture
- Improve swimmer retention (ages 13–18)
- Build a sustainable coaching pipeline
This program integrates structured mentorship, defined responsibilities, professional expectations, regular weekly connects with Coach Katie, and an end of season performance evaluation.
Commitment:
Mandatory Pre-season Coaches Kickoff Meeting (12 May, 5:45-6:45PM, Virtual)
80%+ available for practices and meets for the 2026 ODSL season through All-Stars
Weekly coaching staff check in (15 mins prior to Weds PM meets)
Compensation: End of season stipend/volunteer hours
Tier I: Jr. Coach
Ages: 13–14 (ideally completed 8th grade, but not required)
Focus: In-water skill demonstration, lane support, encouragement
Responsibilities:
- Assist with warm-ups and drill demonstrations
- Instrumental with ‘demo and do’ day practices
- Support lane organization and swimmer engagement
- Reinforce positive behavior
- Assist during meets (ad hoc, culture, positivity, team excitement)
- Model sportsmanship and team values
Jr. Coaches will not independently run practices.
Tier II: Senior Jr. Coach
Ages: 15–18
Focus: Small group leadership, instructional development, role models
Responsibilities:
- Lead warm-up lanes under supervision
- Support stroke correction guidance
- Assist in practice organization
- Mentor Junior Coaches
- Contribute ideas for drills or themed sets
- Assist with meet logistics and relays
- Be the Head Coach’s ‘go to’ for practice and meet support
Senior Jr. Coaches may lead short segments of practice with approval from the Head Coach.
Interested swimmers must:
- Submit a Junior Coach Application
- Provide one coach reference
- Demonstrate consistent attendance and positive team behavior
- Participate in a brief interview with Coach Katie
Selection Criteria:
- Maturity and reliability
- Communication skills
- Positive influence on teammates
- Stroke proficiency
- Rules proficiency
- Willingness to learn and grow as a leader
Participation is not automatic based on age.
Expectations include:
- On-time arrival (10–15 minutes before practice); with alert to Coach Katie regarding planned absences, late arrival, early departure needs
- Professional language and demeanor
- No phone use on deck
- Respectful communication with swimmers and parents
- Clear reporting structure (Junior Coaches report to Coach Katie only)
- Senior Coaches act as mentors only, not managers of Junior Coaches.
Failure to meet expectations may result in probation or removal from the program.
Two Check-Ins With Coach Katie:
Mid-Season Check-In- approx June 15, 2026
End-of-Season Evaluation- approx July 20, 2026
Evaluation categories:
- Reliability
- Instructional engagement
- Leadership presence
- Communication
- Growth over season
If your swimmer is ready for this opportunity, please complete the following application:
