Wrestling Asst. Coach

The Assistant Wrestling Coach supports the Head Wrestling Coach in all aspects of developing and managing a competitive NCAA Division III wrestling program. The position is responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of practices, competitions, recruiting, student-athlete development, and team activities while promoting academic success, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth.

The Assistant Wrestling Coach will contribute to a positive, inclusive, and educational athletic environment consistent with the mission and values of the institution, NCAA Division III principles, and applicable conference and institutional policies.

Coaching and Student-Athlete Development

• Assist the Head Coach with planning and conducting daily practices, including technique instruction, drilling, conditioning, strength development, and competition preparation.
• Provide individual instruction and feedback to student-athletes to improve wrestling technique, tactical decision-making, physical conditioning, and competitive performance.
• Assist with developing individualized training plans based on student-athlete needs and competitive goals.
• Help prepare the team for dual meets, tournaments, and postseason competition.
• Assist with scouting opponents and developing competition strategies.
• Promote a team culture based on accountability, respect, sportsmanship, discipline, and academic achievement.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for student-athletes.
• Monitor student-athlete well-being and communicate concerns appropriately to the Head Coach and relevant campus personnel.

Recruiting

• Assist the Head Coach with identifying, evaluating, and recruiting prospective student-athletes.
• Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with high school coaches, club programs, families, and prospective student-athletes.
• Participate in campus visits, recruiting events, wrestling tournaments, showcases, and other recruiting activities.
• Communicate with prospective student-athletes in accordance with NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.

Performance Expectations

The Assistant Wrestling Coach is expected to:

1. Contribute to the development and success of the wrestling program.
2. Support the academic achievement and retention of student-athletes.
3. Recruit and develop student-athletes who are a strong fit for the institution and wrestling program.
4. Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Collegiate wrestling, coaching, or competitive wrestling experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of wrestling techniques, training principles, and competition strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with college-aged student-athletes.

Preferred

• Coaching experience, preferably at the NCAA Division III level.
• Previous collegiate wrestling experience.
• Experience with recruiting student-athletes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge of wrestling and current coaching practices.
• Ability to teach and communicate wrestling concepts effectively to student-athletes with varying levels of experience.
• Ability to build positive relationships with student-athletes, coaches, families, alumni, and campus personnel.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Commitment to student-athlete academic success and personal development.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a welcoming team environment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an athletic department and institutional community.
• Commitment to the principles and educational mission of NCAA Division III athletics.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.