There are two paths to become an assistant coach:

1) Volunteer Assistant Coaches

Contact us at [email protected].

2) Paid Assistant Coaches (coaching experience required)

• Who: Staples Boys and Girls swimmers and divers
• How:  Selected by Coach Mike and Coach Kuku
• Pay
  • 9th graders: $16/hr
  • 10th graders: $18/hr
  • 11th graders: $20/hr
  • 12th graders: $23/hr
• Schedule
  • September to July
    • Schedule varies by season, and we have 6-7 days of practice per week. Check with Coach Kuku.
  • You do not have to come to every session and can sign up for the dates that work for you.

Requirements

1. Experience in coaching or swimming instruction: One way to gain experience is through volunteering in or working at the various swimming programs in town. We need 10 hours of coaching a group of swimmers, or 4 hours of teaching one on one lessons plus 8 hours of coaching a group of swimmers.
2. A great attitude towards learning, teaching kids how to swim competitively, taking initiative and asserting yourself!
3. Watch two Waterproof Kids videos by Coaches Mike and Gaylene. "Toddlers" module and "Kids 5-12 years" module.

Expectations

1. Show respect and be a team player. Leave your ego at the door.
2. Reply to coaches' messages within 12 hours: Whether the answer is “yes” or “no,” acknowledging the message is mandatory. Silence is not an option — communication is part of being a reliable teammate.
3. Sign up at least one week in advance. Before signing up, check your family, social, and academic calendars for trips, tests, quizzes, parties, concerts, or meets. Coach Mike and Coach Kuku really dislike cancellations within five days of a session. If you’re going to bring a scheduling problem, bring a scheduling solution. If you must cancel, please find a suitable replacement before doing so. As in life, those who show they’re reliable are the ones who get jobs and referrals.
4. Show that your main commitment is to Staples Swimming. Our focus is on the long-term success of the team — which includes developing, mentoring, and bringing new swimmers into Staples Swimming.

• • Keep up your club swim practices and continue competing in meets during the off-season. Teaching with WSC is encouraged, but it should never take the place of your club training or competitions.
  • Do not engage in activities that will negatively affect your swimming. For example, water polo often develops body positions and stroke habits that can be detrimental to competitive swimming technique.

Benefits to you

1. Earn volunteer and service hours, or get paid: WSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You time counts toward school or community service requirements and looks great on college and scholarship applications. Alternatively, you could choose to get paid. 
2. Paid opportunities: With your permission, we can share your name with WSC families looking for babysitting, lifeguarding, tutoring help, and private swimming lessons, especially in the summer. Some former WSC assistant coaches have also landed summer internships through WSC families, including a cancer lab at Yale and hedge funds such as Fermat Capital Management and Initium Management.
3. Receive hands-on training: We provide 2 hours of dedicated instruction to prepare you for your role as an assistant coach, so you’ll feel confident and ready to lead. The rest you already know from SGS practice!
4. Build leadership and coaching skills: Learn how to motivate, communicate, and guide younger swimmers—experience that benefits you in and out of the pool.
5. Be a role model: Younger swimmers look up to you! Inspire them through your positivity, responsibility, and enthusiasm for the sport.
6. Give back to the team: Help younger athletes improve their technique, confidence, and love for swimming while strengthening our team community.