Contact: mplsswim@gmail.com
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55403
Program Level: High School
Commitment: Part Time
Posting Date: 06/26/2026
Position Summary
The Minneapolis Southwest Lakers are looking for an assistant swim coach that will play a vital role in developing student-athletes both in and out of the pool. This coach will primarily work with beginners and junior varsity focusing on stroke technique, skill progression, and fostering a positive team culture. The position also provides support to the varsity program as needed while helping athletes build confidence, perseverance, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.
Essential Responsibilities
Technical Swimming Development
Plan and lead training sessions for novice and JV swimmers.
Teach and refine proper stroke mechanics in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Provide individualized feedback on starts, turns, finishes, and underwater skills.
Monitor athlete progress and adjust instruction to meet varying ability levels.
Assist with practice planning and implementation under the direction of the Head Coach.
Support varsity practices and training groups as assigned.
Character Development
Serve as a positive role model for student-athletes.
Promote values such as perseverance, courage, grit, integrity, accountability, respect, and sportsmanship.
Foster an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and valued.
Encourage goal setting, personal growth, and resilience through successes and setbacks.
Reinforce team expectations and standards both in and out of the pool.
Help athletes develop leadership skills and a commitment to serving their teammates and community.
Team Culture & Athlete Support
Build positive relationships with athletes, parents, and coaching staff.
Help create a welcoming environment for new swimmers entering the program.
Encourage team unity between all athletes.
Assist with team events, competitions, community service projects, and program initiatives.
Promote academic responsibility and citizenship among team members.
Competition Responsibilities
Attend and coach at swim meets as assigned.
Assist athletes with race preparation, strategy, and post-race evaluation.
Support meet operations including athlete preparation, event management, and communication.
Celebrate athlete achievements and encourage continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Previous competitive swimming experience and/or coaching experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of stroke technique, training fundamentals, and skill progression.
Ability to teach and motivate athletes of varying skill levels.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated commitment to character development and positive mentorship.
Clear all background checks as required by the school, district, or governing body.
Preferred Characteristics
The ideal candidate:
Is passionate about teaching swimming fundamentals.
Believes athletic success begins with strong character.
Connects well with young athletes and helps build confidence.
Values teamwork, accountability, and lifelong learning.
Creates a positive and encouraging atmosphere while maintaining high expectations.
Mission of the Position
To develop technically sound swimmers and exceptional young people by teaching the skills, habits, and values that lead to success in competition, in the classroom, and throughout life.