Head Coach Field Hockey

Job Title: Head Coach, Field Hockey
Department: Athletics
Reports To: Director of Athletics
Position Type: 12 months

Institution: Sweet Briar College
Location: Sweet Briar, VA

Sweet Briar College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college for women with a focus on preparing the next generation of women leaders. The Field Hockey program has over a 100 year history at the college and has been a big part of building strong leaders on and off the field. In 2022, the program was gifted a state-of-the-art Poligras Platinum CoolPlus by Astroturf playing field by alumna, Mildred "Bee" Newman Thayer '61. This beautiful facility is one small part of a stunning 2,840-acre campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Much of the campus is home to the faculty and staff that are part of this unique community which values excellence in teaching and and a commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion, and lifelong learning through scholarship and leadership.

Essential Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Compliance:

• Lead the women’s field hockey program in accordance with NCAA Division III, ODAC, and Sweet Briar College policies.

• Develop and implement a clear vision for the field hockey program with a focus on competitive excellence, academic success, and personal development of student-athletes.

Recruitment:

• Identify, recruit, and retain student-athletes who align with Sweet Briar’s academic standards and athletic values.

• Coordinate campus visits and collaborate with the Office of Admissions to support enrollment goals.

• Maintain frequent and effective communication with prospective student-athletes, their families, and high school/club coaches.

Coaching & Team Development:

• Plan, organize, and lead team practices and competitions.

• Evaluate team and individual performance; create development plans to enhance skill, fitness, and teamwork.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and empowering team culture that supports leadership and growth.

Program Operations:

• Manage team logistics including game scheduling, team travel, and budget planning in collaboration with the Director of Athletics.

• Oversee the inventory, selection, and maintenance of team equipment and uniforms.

• Collaborate with athletic training and strength staff to implement conditioning and injury prevention programs.

• Ensure player safety and facility upkeep during practices and matches.

Academic Support & Retention:

• Monitor student-athlete academic performance and work closely with faculty and academic support staff.

• Promote a balance between academics, athletics, and leadership development.

Fundraising & External Relations:

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies in coordination with the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development.

• Engage and cultivate relationships with alumnae to foster program support and alumni-athlete networking opportunities.

• Plan, promote, and operate summer camps, clinics, and youth programs as revenue-generating and community outreach opportunities.

• Create donor engagement opportunities tied to program milestones, team events, and facility enhancements.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate records including statistics, compliance documents, and travel reports.

• Participate in departmental meetings, College-wide events, and community engagement initiatives.

• Supervise assistant coaches and ensure compliance with NCAA and institutional standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Experience as a coach or player at the high school, club, or collegiate level.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College-level coaching experience.

• Understanding of NCAA Division III philosophy.

• Current AED/CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics.

• Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, or running sports-based camps and clinics is highly desirable.