Director of Player Development- Lacrosse

Job Overview

The Director of Player Development is responsible for guiding the growth and development of young athletes within the Saint Mary’s Hall athletics program. This includes focusing on their skill acquisition, character building, and overall well-being as they progress through their athletic journey. The role requires close collaboration with coaches, players, and their families to establish and implement development plans that align with the goals and values of the athletics program.

Key Responsibilities

• Player Development Planning:
• Create and implement individualized development plans for young players to enhance their skills and performance.
• Monitor progress and adjust plans as necessary to support players' growth.
• Work with youth coaches to integrate development plans into training sessions and games.
• Skill Building and Training:
• Conduct assessments to identify players' strengths and areas for improvement.
• Design and lead specialized training sessions and drills to develop young players' abilities.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches to ensure players receive comprehensive training.
• Mentorship and Guidance:
• Serve as a mentor to young athletes and coaches, offering guidance and support on and off the field.
• Provide resources and advice to help players balance academics and sports commitments.
• Offer advice on the college recruiting process, including navigating eligibility requirements and scholarship opportunities.
• Character and Personal Development:
• Emphasize the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and integrity in young players' development.
• Foster life skills such as communication, leadership, and time management in players.
• Promote mental health awareness and provide access to appropriate resources.
• Parent and Family Engagement:
• Maintain open lines of communication with players' families to provide updates and address concerns.
• Organize parent education sessions to help families support their young athletes' development.
• Foster a positive relationship between the organization, players, and their families.
• Scouting and Talent Identification:
• Work with the scouting team to identify promising young players and assess their potential for growth.
• Support the recruitment process to ensure new players align with the team's culture and values.
• Program Development and Evaluation:
• Develop youth programs that align with the organization's overall development goals.
• Evaluate existing programs and recommend improvements to enhance player development.
• Stay up-to-date with best practices in youth sports development.
• Coaching Support:
• Provide guidance and support to youth coaches to enhance their coaching effectiveness and impact.
• Offer coaching education sessions to ensure coaches are up-to-date with the latest training methods and development techniques.
• Act as a resource for coaches, answering questions, providing feedback, and offering solutions to challenges they face.
• Collaborate with coaches to establish consistent coaching philosophies and practices across the program.
• Foster a culture of learning and growth among the coaching staff, encouraging professional development and collaboration.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience: More than 10 years of experience in coaching, youth player development, or a related role. Prior experience working with young athletes is preferred.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with young athletes and their families effectively.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and guide young players towards success.
• Patience and Empathy: Understanding of the developmental stages and challenges faced by young athletes.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport with players, families, and coaching staff.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple development plans and initiatives.
  
  

Additional Information

This position may require travel for scouting, training, or games. The role will involve working evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the youth sports schedule. This position may be remote work with the proper qualifications and experience.