How to Become a College Softball Coach
College softball coaching is an intense and rewarding profession. A college softball coach is responsible for the development of college players on the field. A coach also serves as a mentor to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. College softball coaching jobs can be difficult to acquire and you must show passion and persistence to reach your goal. Some coaches can invest years into the sport before they are rewarded with a college job.
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Instructions
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Learn the game and develop a commitment to consistent self-evaluation and improvement. Part of being a college softball coach will be teaching the fundamental skills and strategies of softball. Many colleges will not hire a coach who is not certified in coaching the sport. National governing body USA Softball offers coaching education courses that will allow you to become an accredited coach.
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Gain experience coaching the game at the youth or high school level. Find a local high school or youth club and become an assistant coach or take charge of a team. Focus on raising players to a higher level.
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Volunteer your time and prove your worth to a college. Many people break into the college game through volunteer positions. Write to your local college coaches and offer your time on a volunteer basis. Send them your resume and explain the ways you can be valuable to the program. Market your ability on the field, your willingness to help out with the administrative side of the team, or your skill at scouting and recruiting incoming players. This will get you in the college environment and allow you to network and learn.
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Network and develop relationships within the college softball and coaching worlds. Attend coaching certifications and seminars. Coach at summer camps and volunteer. Coaches are more likely to consider you for a job when vacancies arise if you are familiar to them. Check the NCAA website at NCAA.org to track coaching vacancies.
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- Photo Credit baseball image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
