The Vermillion Area Swim Team (VAST), located in Vermillion, SD, is looking for a motivated, enthusiastic individual to serve as Head Coach for our USA Swimming affiliated club. The goals of the team are to promote both competitive and fitness swimming, foster life-long interest in swimming, and to help all athletes become the best possible swimmers they can be.

VAST is comprised of approximately 50 swimmers. The ideal candidate for this position will be coaching beginner through elite-level swimmers. The team practices five to six days per week at the University of South Dakota’s indoor pool, during the winter short-course and long-course seasons. The head coach is expected to attend the swim meets, most of which are within a 70 mile radius and all championship meets. The team attends approximately 10-12 meets during the winter short-course season and 4-5 meets during the summer long-course season. This past winter short-course season, VAST won the Team Percentage Award at the SD Short Course State Swim Meet. VAST currently has swimmers who have qualified for sectionals, zones, and regional swim meets.

Responsibilities of the Head Coach include:

1.  Provide education and training in the pool that promotes excellent swimming technique, develops competitive skills, and is age and developmentally appropriate for all swimmers.

2.  Provide education and training in dry-land techniques that focuses on working less-used muscles, creating a more balanced body, and educates swimmers in how to prevent injuries.

3.  Provide motivation, encouragement, and love of the sport to all levels of swimmers.

4.  Fulfill administrative duties that include but are not limited to, constructing a season-long training plan, daily workouts, and meet entries. Experience with Hytek Meet/Team Manager and/or Team Unify is highly desirable.

5.  Take a leadership role and mentor the assistant coaches.

6.  Attend board meetings to provide feedback about the team’s progress or other issues.

7.  Recruit and promote swimming in the community.

Qualifications:

1.  Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years old and eligible to work in the United States.

2.  Experience as a head-coach, assistant coach, or as a competitive swimmer.

3.  Must have or be able to complete all requirements for certification as a USA Swimming Coach. This includes Athlete Protection Training, a level 2 background check, and Coach’s Safety Training.

4.  Must have or be able to complete registration with the American Swim Coach’s Association, as a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 swim coach, with preference given to Level 2 or 3.

Salary:

Salary is dependent on the experience and qualifications of the applicant. This is a part-time position that entails approximately 10-13 hours evening hours per week during the evening hours for practices and additional weekend hours when the team attends meets (both the winter and summer seasons). Meet attendance costs are fully reimbursed. The team is usually on hiatus in the months of April and August.

This position is open until filled. Please email your resume, cover letter, and references to Matt Lavin, . For further information, you may contact Matt Lavin at 605-670-8228.