Coaching at the intercollegiate level is especially rewarding because of the many challenges and demands of the job. However, frustrations can accompany the greater rewards for the college coach because one must balance coaching with recruiting, fund-raising and awareness of constantly changing NCAA rules and regulations. I therefore offer the following six suggestions for successfully managing an intercollegiate program as a part-time coach. By adopting these suggestions, part-time coaches, as well as others, can minimize frustrations and maximize the rewards of building a successful program and, hopefully, a winning team. Recognize the multifaceted demands of the position.
All intercollegiate programs require more than on-deck coaching, especially successful programs.
Also, even though you are coaching part-time, with parents far away, you might be the most important adult in your athletes' lives and therefore called on for advice, mentoring, and support. In my years of coaching, I have had to more than once visit a hospital for my athletes, inform university personnel about a potential academic or personal crisis, or write letters of recommendation. In addition, the actual coaching aspect requires scouting, planning and film sessions. Know and establish expectations. Because of the multifaceted nature of a collegiate position, as a part-time coach, you can feel overwhelmed, especially if you feel that you must do everything.