Head Coach, Women's Softball

Position Summary 

Longwood University invites applications for the position of Head Coach for Softball. The Head Coach is responsible for the leadership, development, and administration of the NCAA Division 1 softball program competing in the Big South Conference. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build and sustain a competitive mid-major program while promoting academic achievement, athletic excellence, and the holistic development of student-athletes in alignment with Longwood University’s mission.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Program Leadership and Vision

·       Provide strategic vision and leadership for the women’s lacrosse program consistent with Longwood University values.

·       Establish and maintain a positive, disciplined, and inclusive team culture.

·       Ensure full compliance with the NCAA, Big South Conference, and university policies.

·       Represent the softball program positively within the athletic department, campus, conference and community.

Coaching and Competitive Success

·       Plan, organize and conduct all practices, competitions, and training sessions.

·       Develop and implement effective pitching, hitting, defensive, and base-running strategies.

·       Prepare game strategies, scouting reports, and video analysis.

·       Manage game-day operations, scheduling and team travel.

Recruiting and Roster Management

·       Lead and execute a comprehensive recruiting strategy aligned with Longwood University’s academic standards.

·       Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes capable of competing at the Division 1 level.

·       Build and maintain recruiting pipeline appropriate for a Big South mid-major program.

·       Manage roster composition, scholarships, and student-athlete retention.

Staff Supervision and Administration

·       Hire, supervise, mentor and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff.

·       Manage and oversee the softball program budget and administrative operations.

·       Coordinate effectively with compliance, sports medicine, strength and conditioning and academic support staff.

Academic and Student-Athlete Support

·       Promote academic excellence and degree completion.

·       Monitor academic progress and eligibility in coordination with academic services staff.

·       Serve as a mentor supporting student-athlete leadership, personal development, and wellbeing.

External Relations and Advancement

·       Support fundraising, donor relations, and alumni engagement efforts.

·       Participate in community outreach, camps, clinics, and university events.

·       Assist with marketing, media relations, and promotional initiatives for Longwood Softball.

Required Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degrees require; master’s degree preferred.

·       Coaching experience at the NCAA Division 1 level or highly competitive collegiate level.

·       Demonstrated success in recruiting student-athletes.  

·       Strong knowledge of NCAA rules, compliance standards, and best practices.

·       Proven leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Previous head coaching experience in collegiate softball; NCAA preferred.

·       Experience competing in and recruiting within the Big South or Mid-Atlantic/Southeast regions.

·       Experience managing budgets, and supervising full-time staff.

Work Environment and Expectations

·       Evening, weekend, holiday and extensive travel required.

·       Commitment to Longwood University’s mission, integrity, and student-athlete centered philosophy.

·       Demonstrated support for diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as fostering a culture of emotional and psychological safety throughout the softball program. 

Additional Information  

This position is a full-time, administrative & professional faculty, exempt position. Commonwealth of Virginia benefits accompany this position. A successful criminal background investigation is required. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.  

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Longwood University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodations to applicants in need of accommodations in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application. If, however, you require accommodations in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 434-395-2074 or humres@longwood.edu.

Per CFR: Title 34, the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information can be located through this link http://www.longwood.edu/titleix/.