A Coach works with individual athletes or with sports teams to develop skills and improve teamwork and competitive performance. Runs practice sessions and physical conditioning programs; assesses the strengths and weaknesses of players; plans strategies for games; motivates and encourage players and teaches good sportsmanship.
This is an approximately three-month, part-time stipend appointment beginning with the fall semester and aligned with the MIT academic and Club Sports calendar. The Head Coach works closely with the student captains to lead MIT Women's Club Soccer practices, prepare the team for competition, and support player development. The final appointment dates and practice schedule will be confirmed once MIT releases its facility schedule. The team typically practices twice per week for two hours, generally from 7:00-9:00 p.m., excluding Institute holidays and facility closures. Practices have historically been held on Monday and Wednesday, but the days and times are subject to change based on field allocation. The Head Coach is expected to plan and lead structured sessions that include technical development, tactical instruction, fitness, small-sided activities, and game preparation. MIT Women's Club Soccer participates in the NIRSA Region I Fall League and generally plays 7-9 area teams, including universities such as Harvard and Tufts. Matches are held on weekends and are a mix of home and away games, with the team seeking to host as many matches as feasible. The Head Coach is expected to attend league matches and work alongside the captains on lineups, formations, substitutions, match strategy, and team preparation. The team can assist with reasonable transportation arrangements for away matches. If the team qualifies for Regionals near the end of the semester, participation in the two-day weekend event and any related arrangements will be discussed separately.
Principal Duties:
Plan and lead two structured, two-hour practices per week, excluding MIT Institute holidays, closures, and other dates when facilities are unavailable. Prepare progressive and engaging training sessions that address technical skills, tactical understanding, fitness, position-specific development, set pieces, and game-like situations. Adapt drills and instruction for a roster that includes beginners, intermediate players, and former varsity or high-level competitive athletes. Attend and coach all scheduled NIRSA Region I fall league matches, which are generally played on weekends at MIT or at other universities in the region. Collaborate with the three student captains on practice priorities, player development, lineups, formations, match strategy, substitutions, and team communication. Promote a competitive, welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports both team performance and the development of players at different experience levels. Communicate reliably and promptly with the captains regarding availability, practice plans, schedule changes, travel needs, and any player or team concerns. Reinforce safe participation, sportsmanship, and conduct consistent with MIT DAPER, Club Sports, NIRSA, and team expectations. Provide coaching guidance while recognizing that MIT Women's Club Soccer is a student-led organization and that administrative and club decisions remain with the student officers and MIT Club Sports.
