South Dakota Board of Regents
Description
Dakota State University s seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Head Coach of Cross Country / Assistant Track and Field to assist in leading our cross country and track and field programs. This position focuses primarily on coaching distance runners, supporting student-athlete development, recruiting, and assisting with administrative and operational duties. The successful candidate will bring expertise in distance running training, performance analysis, and athlete development to help elevate our program’s competitive success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement training programs for cross country and track distance events that enhance endurance, strength, and racing strategies.
- Conduct daily practice sessions, including warm-ups, workouts, cooldowns, and strength training.
- Analyze individual and team performances to adjust training plans for optimal results.
- Provide technique instruction, race strategies, and mental preparation for competitions.
- Identify and recruit talented high school and transfer student-athletes who align with the program’s competitive and academic standards.
- Communicate with prospective athletes, families, and high school coaches to build relationships.
- Assist with on-campus recruiting visits and showcase program benefits to recruits.
- Build strong relationships with student-athletes to provide mentorship and support for both their athletic and academic journeys.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3-5 years of coaching experience (preferably at the collegiate level).
- Ability to coach, mentor and develop student athletes.
- Strong knowledge of cross country and track & field techniques, strategies, and rules.
- Knowledge of the evaluation and assessment of student-athlete skills and abilities.
- Ability to identify and successfully recruit talented prospective student-athletes for the sport of cross country and track & field.
- Initiative to solve problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and people skills to effectively connect with student-athletes, coaching staff, and university stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.