About Pingry
The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school. 

Position Summary: Launch Your Coaching Career
The Pingry School invites passionate, coach-minded individuals to apply for the Coaching Fellow – Pathway of Excellence. This dynamic, year-long residency is designed to develop the next generation of high-impact leaders in the coaching profession. Located in the heart of New Jersey’s elite sports landscape, this program offers direct access to a premier K-12 athletics culture and serves as a true launchpad for careers in athletic administration, sports psychology, and elite coaching.

The Experience
As a Pingry Coaching Fellow, you will lead or assist across six athletic seasons (three at the Middle School level and three at the Upper School level). You will work alongside experienced mentors to develop student-athletes across a broad developmental spectrum, from rising learners to future NCAA Division I recruits and Olympians, all within a high-expectation, high-integrity environment.

2026-27 Priority Placements
We are seeking versatile candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas. Ideal applicants will possess the flexibility to support specific program needs across Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons at both the MS and HS levels:

• Field Sports & Turf: Support our programs in Football (Varsity/MS), Soccer (Freshman/MS), Field Hockey (Varsity/JV/MS), and Softball/Baseball.
• Court Sports: Key roles available in Volleyball (Varsity/Freshman/MS), Basketball (JV/Freshman/MS), and Tennis (JV).
• Aquatics & Ice: Specialized openings in Water Polo (Varsity/MS) and Ice Hockey (Varsity/MS).
• Specialized Athletics: Opportunities in Wrestling, Fencing, Dance, Cross Country, and Track & Field.

The Ideal Candidate
Whether you are a former collegiate athlete, a recent graduate in sports management, or an experienced club coach transitioning to school-based athletics, you bring a growth mindset and a deep commitment to student development. As a Fellow, you will model sportsmanship and Pingry’s core values, honor, character, and intellectual engagement, while participating in the broader life of the school through advising and club leadership.

We encourage you to apply if you are eager to grow, ready to contribute, and motivated to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of student-athletes.

Responsibilities

• Coach across six athletic seasons (three Middle School and three Upper School), demonstrating flexibility, age-appropriate instruction, and alignment with evolving program needs.
• Collaborate across departments, working with coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning staff, and administrators to advance wellness, performance, and inclusive team culture.
• Model mentorship and leadership by fostering a structured, student-centered environment that supports physical, emotional, and social growth aligned with Pingry's values.
• Lead and contribute to all aspects of athletic preparation, including practice planning, film review, game-day execution, and player development with an emphasis on skill-building, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Engage in professional development, coach training, and Pingry-led learning opportunities to expand your toolbox and sharpen your coaching identity.
• Support co-curricular life through potential advising, club leadership, or administrative contributions that further community and student engagement.
• Communicate proactively with student-athletes and families regarding schedules, expectations, and developmental progress.
• Uphold compliance with all school policies, safety procedures, and athletic regulations.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

• Career-Ready Experience: This is not a volunteer role or casual assistantship. Coaching Fellows gain real responsibility, real visibility, and real development in preparation for long-term careers in sports and education.
• Intentional Mentorship: Fellows receive ongoing feedback, shadow head coaches, and build connections across Pingry and the broader athletic ecosystem.
• Broad Impact: You’ll engage with student-athletes in grades 6–12, shaping not just their athletic performance but their leadership and mindset.
• Future Opportunity: Coaching Fellows play a role in shaping the future of Pingry Athletics and may be considered for future coaching, administrative, or leadership roles at Pingry or beyond.
• Building Community through Competition: Our teams include student-athletes who go on to compete in the Ivy League, ACC, NESCAC, and Olympic programs, providing real preparation for coaches aspiring to lead at the next level.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of coaching in at least one sport at the middle school, upper school, club, collegiate, or professional level; multi-sport coaching experience is strongly preferred.
• Genuine passion for working with student-athletes and a proven ability to foster individual growth, team development, and a positive, inclusive culture.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and connect with students of varying skill levels and backgrounds.
• Willingness and availability to fully commit to practice and game schedules, including after-school hours and select weekends.
• Ability to model and support Pingry’s mission of scholarly exploration, personal growth, and social responsibility through athletics.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of educational or independent school settings is a plus.
• Familiarity with New Jersey’s youth athletic landscape is a bonus.
• Valid driver's license required.

Ideal Candidate Backgrounds May Include

• Former collegiate, Olympic, or professional athletes seeking a transition into coaching
• Club or AAU coaches looking to enter school-based athletics
• Graduates with degrees in Coaching, Sports Management, or Kinesiology
• Personal trainers or educators with strong athletic leadership experience
• Individuals with long-term aspirations in coaching, athletic administration, or student-athlete development

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.

About The Pingry School

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.

Connections working at The Pingry School