Girls Varsity Hockey Coach
Upland Country Day School — Kennett Square, PA
Upland Country Day School, a Nursery through Grade 9 independent school of roughly 200 students, seeks a full-time Girls Varsity Hockey Coach who sees sport as an essential part of a child's education. This is a full-time, ten-month faculty position. The coach reports to the Athletic Director.
About the Role:
Hockey holds a special place at Upland. It is woven into our traditions, our calendar, and the friendships our students carry with them long after they leave.
The Girls Varsity Hockey Coach leads a program that competes hard and develops every player. The goal is a team that plays with skill and confidence, loves the game, and carries itself with character on and off the ice. The right coach knows that a strong team and a strong culture grow together.
Responsibilities:
Program Leadership
- Lead the girls varsity hockey program throughout the academic year
- Plan and run practices and games that build skill, fitness, and confidence
- Develop every player, from those new to the varsity level to those ready for the next step in their game
- Recruit, train, and supervise assistant coaches in partnership with the Athletic Director within approved athletic budget parameters
- Guide players and families as they look ahead to hockey at the secondary school level and beyond
Operations
- Coordinate the team's schedule, ice time, officiating, travel, and game day logistics with the Athletic Director
- Serve as the primary point of contact for girls hockey families, league officials, and governing bodies such as USA Hockey
- Partner with the CCSC to keep the ice safe and playable whenever it is assigned to Upland, and leave it in good condition at the end of each session
- Keep safety protocols, concussion procedures, and coaching certifications current
- Manage team equipment and uniforms
Recruitment and Community
- Work with the Director of Admissions to recruit hockey student athletes through prospective family events and outreach
- Help plan and run major events, including hosted and away tournaments and the annual Black & Gold Day
- Serve as a student advisor and take part in the life of the school
- Potentially teach an academic subject
- Emphasize academic achievement and character alongside athletic performance
- Be a visible presence at school events beyond the rink
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree preferred (required for faculty/teaching duties)
- Coaching experience in girls' or women's hockey at the high school, prep, junior, or college level
- Competitive playing experience is welcome
- USA Hockey coaching certification, or willingness to earn it before the season begins
- A clear and thoughtful philosophy about coaching young athletes, and a strong understanding of adolescent development
- Strong organization and communication with players, families, and colleagues
- A steady temperament, sound judgment, and warmth with children and adults alike
- Genuine enthusiasm for every player on the roster, not just the strongest
- Ability to attend early morning, evening, and weekend practices and games, and to travel to away contests and tournaments
Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience.
To Apply:
Please email a cover letter addressing your interest in and fit for this role, a résumé, and three professional references to careers@uplandcds.org.
Upland Country Day School welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Employment is contingent on Pennsylvania child abuse, state police, and FBI fingerprint clearances (PA Act 153), PA Act 168 background disclosures, and mandatory health screenings.