The Phelps School is seeking an innovative, energetic Head Soccer Coach for the 2025-2026 school year.  The position offers a tremendous opportunity to continue building an elite soccer program at an independent boarding and day school.  The Head Soccer Coach will be engaged across the whole community, serving a vital role in the classroom, admissions office, or in an administrative position, depending on the candidate's experience and interest.  The Head Soccer Coach will be responsible for recruiting prospective student-athletes, creating a competitive schedule, practice planning, game management and college placement.

1. Continue to build a preeminent year-round soccer program that exemplifies the mission of The Phelps School:
Develop a soccer program that not only focuses on athletic excellence but also fosters personal growth, teamwork, and integrity. Align the program’s activities and values with the educational goals of The Phelps School, ensuring that the program serves as a model of discipline, sportsmanship, and respect for others.

2. Recruit high caliber players of character both domestically and internationally:
Identify and attract top-tier talent by targeting athletes who possess both exceptional skill and a strong sense of character. This includes engaging with players from across the globe to bring in a diverse range of talents and personalities that will contribute to the growth of the team. Prioritize players who demonstrate sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic discipline both on and off the field.

3. Evaluate athlete performance and provide real-time suitable feedback, balancing criticism with positivity and motivation:
Implement a system of regular performance assessments, offering constructive criticism to foster improvement while recognizing and celebrating achievements. Provide feedback in real-time during training and matches, ensuring that each athlete knows what they are doing well and where they can improve. Focus on balancing constructive critique with motivation to keep athletes engaged and inspired to progress.

4. Oversee the soccer program, including a year-round training program with an emphasis on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and mental preparation:
Develop and manage a comprehensive training regimen that spans the entire year, ensuring that athletes continuously improve in all aspects of the game. Emphasize technical drills to sharpen individual skills, tactical sessions to build game intelligence, physical conditioning to maintain peak fitness, and mental preparation techniques to foster resilience, focus, and confidence.

5. Model inclusion when welcoming new athletes, despite skill level or experience:
Create a team culture that embraces athletes of all backgrounds, skill levels, and experiences. Foster an environment where new players feel welcomed, supported, and integrated into the team, helping them to grow both individually and as part of the collective unit. Encourage senior players to mentor and assist newcomers, creating a cohesive and inclusive team atmosphere.

6. Act as a role model and leader at all times, gaining the respect and trust of the student-athletes, parents, and coaching colleagues:
Lead by example in all aspects of life, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, discipline, and integrity. Build strong relationships with student-athletes, their families, and fellow coaches by fostering trust and mutual respect. Uphold the values of The Phelps School and create an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to reach their potential.

7. Create a highly competitive schedule, plan practices, and manage all games:
Organize a challenging and competitive schedule that tests the team’s abilities and helps them grow. Plan efficient and effective training sessions that prepare athletes for the demands of the season, and manage match-day operations, ensuring the team is always prepared and focused for competition.

8. Solicit, hire, supervise, and mentor an assistant coach in a manner commensurate with athletic department policy and school mission:
Oversee the recruitment and development of an assistant coach, ensuring that they align with the school’s philosophy and the values of the soccer program. Provide mentorship and guidance to coaching staff, fostering professional development while ensuring consistency in coaching strategies and team management.

9. Evaluate, break down, and review film:
Analyze match footage to identify key areas for improvement, focusing on both team tactics and individual player performance. Use video analysis as a teaching tool, providing athletes with visual insights into their strengths and areas needing attention. Share and discuss these insights in team meetings to improve overall performance.

10. Monitor and run sport-specific social media and participate in Athletic Department social media campaigns:
Oversee the team’s social media presence, ensuring content highlights team achievements, community involvement, and the personal development of athletes. Engage with the broader community through social media campaigns that promote the school’s athletic program while fostering pride and support among students, alumni, and fans.

11. Actively participate in the recruitment process to achieve team goals for player enrollment and meet net tuition needs:
Work closely with the admissions department to recruit high-quality student-athletes who align with the school's values and soccer program goals. Ensure that recruitment efforts are strategically aligned to meet the desired number of players on the roster while also balancing a budget. Collaborate with admissions to identify potential students who are a strong fit both academically and athletically, contributing to the school's growth and sustainability. Attend recruitment events, meet with prospective students and families, and provide insight into the athletic opportunities available at The Phelps School. Help potential students understand how the program can contribute to their personal and athletic development.

12. Assist with college placement of student-athletes:
Support student-athletes in their pursuit of higher education by providing guidance and connections to college recruiters. Assist athletes in understanding the recruitment process, help them prepare for college-level play, and ensure they have the resources and knowledge to make informed decisions about their academic and athletic futures.

13. Develop and lead fundraising efforts for the soccer program and The Phelps School:
Spearhead initiatives to raise funds for the soccer team, working with alumni, parents, and local businesses to secure financial support. Organize events, campaigns, and partnerships to generate resources that enhance the team's facilities, equipment, and travel opportunities. Ensure that fundraising efforts align with the values of the school and provide opportunities for the broader community to support the program’s growth.

14. Oversee and manage the soccer program’s budget:
Create and manage the annual budget for the soccer program, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently across all necessary areas such as equipment, travel, coaching staff, and team development. Monitor expenditures throughout the year, adjusting as necessary to stay within budget while ensuring that the program continues to provide a top-tier experience for athletes. Work closely with the athletic department and school administration to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with broader school goals.

• Ideal coaching candidates should have experience coaching at the high school, club, and/or college level
• Coaching experience with advanced knowledge and understanding of technical and strategic aspects of the game of soccer
• Recruiting experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with athletes, coaching staff, and parents
• Ability to teach, lead, motivate student-athletes
• Proven organizational and management skills
• Desire and ability to cultivate strategic relationships with area athletic organizations
• Desire and ability to team with our Admissions staff to communicate with prospective families

To be considered for this position at The Phelps School, we ask that candidates submit a resume and cover letter to employment@thephelpsshcool.org.

About The Phelps School

Connections working at The Phelps School