Columbia, Missouri, The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head Diving Coach to support its NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Program competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Reporting to the Head Swimming & Diving Coach, this position will oversee all aspects of the diving program, including coaching, recruiting, competition preparation, and student-athlete development. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, recruiting success, and a commitment to developing elite divers in a highly competitive environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Coaching and Athlete Development (45%)
• Plan and lead all diving practices, including technical and tactical instruction.
• Teach and refine diving fundamentals, including springboard and platform techniques.
• Develop individualized training plans to maximize athlete performance.
• Prepare student-athletes for dual meets, invitationals, conference, and NCAA competition.
• Analyze performance through video review and technical feedback.
• Provide in-meet coaching, strategy adjustments, and performance evaluation.
• Monitor athlete progress, scoring trends, and competitive readiness.
• Establish and enforce high standards of discipline, focus, and accountability.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning staff on dryland and injury prevention programs.
• Foster a positive, competitive, and growth-oriented training environment.
2. Recruiting (35%)
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes at the national and international levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with club coaches, high school programs, and families.
• Communicate consistently with recruiting prospects and manage recruiting pipelines.
• Coordinate official and unofficial visits to campus.
• Travel to competitions, showcases, and recruiting events as permitted.
• Evaluate diving performance through video analysis and live competition.
• Utilize recruiting databases to track and organize prospects.
• Support roster management, including retention and transfer portal recruiting.
• Represent the University of Missouri Diving program with professionalism and integrity.
3. Student-Athlete Support and Mentorship (10%)
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and personal development guidance to student-athletes.
• Promote academic success, accountability, and time management.
• Assist with onboarding and transition of new student-athletes into the program.
• Build a strong team culture emphasizing trust, cohesion, and excellence.
4. Operations and Compliance (10%)
• Oversee diving program operations, including scheduling, equipment, and meet logistics.
• Coordinate use of video analysis and performance tracking tools.
• Collaborate with athletic department staff including athletic trainers, academic services, and administration.
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, SEC, and University regulations.