Head Coach for 2026 Summer Swim Season - Woodbridge, VA
Application Due Date: February 28, 2026
Questions or Additional Information, email pwslmarlins@gmail.com
Team: Veterans Park Swim Team - ‘The Marlins’
Location: Veterans Park Pool, Woodbridge, VA
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience
Season Dates: May 26 - July 26, 2026
Position Description: The Veterans Park Swim Team seeks a passionate, energetic, and dedicated Head Coach for our Summer Swim Team. The Head Coach will provide leadership and direction to junior coaching staff (high school, college swimmers) and oversee swim program (swimmers aged 4 to 18) including (1) Competition team (Marlins) and (2) Developmental team (Marlins in Training - MITs). MITs have little or no swimming experience. Marlins (competition team) includes swimmers only able to swim freestyle, up to year round swimmers capable of competing in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley. Primary objective is to create a fun environment that maintains and grows the team where MIT and Marlin swimmers improve their swim skills, learn good sportsmanship, compete, and build friendships for life. This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified coach who loves working with swimmers and is eager to help develop swim skills and cheer on swimmers in a supportive, family-oriented team environment.
Why Coach with the MARLINS?
M – Mission-driven community team serving Veterans Park families for over 50 years
A – All-around swim education, building skills in free, back, breast, fly, IM, and relays
R – Rewarding leadership role mentoring junior coaches and guiding swimmers
L – Loved team culture where families stay connected for decades
I – Inspiring fun environment large community pool, spacious pool deck, and grassy area for dry land
N – Nurturing growth in confidence technique sportsmanship and joy
S – Strong family support behind the coach and the team
Position Dates: Position is for the 2026 summer swim season. The team runs the Tuesday after Memorial Day until the end of July. Practices are Monday to Friday and swim meets are held on seven Saturdays during the summer. Practices last 2 hours (1 hour of pool time for MITs).
We are advertising for the 2026 season, but the team would like a long-term head coach to build long-lasting relationships with swimmers, coaches, and families. If the first year is a success, the Board of Directors would want to extend for future years.
Key Responsibilities:
• Set Daily and Weekly Agenda and Lead Coaching Staff at practices, meets, and team events.
◦ Oversee Pool setup, practice, and post-practice cleanup.
◦ Teach swimming techniques, skills, and drills
◦ Program includes freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, starts, finishes, turns, relays, etc.
◦ Oversee improvement of stroke technique and building a foundation of strong aquatic skills.
◦ Set the tone and maintain a positive, encouraging environment.
◦ Foster a love of swimming and teamwork.
◦ Lead practices Monday through Friday from last week of May until the last week of July
◦ Practices: Monday-Thursday 6:15-8:15 PM
◦ Practices: Friday 6:15-8:15 PM (until school ends) and 9:30-11:30 AM (rest of summer, after school ends)
◦ Swim meets Saturday mornings 6:00 AM - 12: 00 PM (often end earlier)
◦ Year end awards, last Sunday in July.
◦ Lead swimmers, ages 4 - 18, in a structured, fun, and educational manner.
◦ Maintain a positive, encouraging environment
◦ Foster a love for swimming while teaching foundational skills of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly and water safety.
◦ Provide guidance to paid and volunteer coaching staff (high school and college age)
• Other Responsibilities
◦ Maintain a structured, safe, and fun learning environment.
◦ Organize and run practices with assistance by Assistant Coaches and junior coaching staff.
◦ Communicate regularly with the team president, parents, and the board of directors.
◦ Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to swimmers and swimmer coaches.
◦ Provide leadership and encouragement at swim meets.
◦ Ensure proper technique is taught and performed to align with USA Swimming and PWSL rules.
◦ Guide, mentor, and direct coaching staff.
◦ Ensure that meet entries are developed and submitted on time.
◦ Help swimmers and parents that receive disqualifications (DQs) why there was a DQ and correct
◦ Ensure all swimmers are progressing and feel supported.
◦ Ensure all swimmers parents feel their swimmers are progressing and being supported.
Required Qualifications:
◦ Attend all practices and meets from May 26, 2026 to July 26, 2026 (approximately 17 hours per week)
◦ Professional demeanor with coaching experience and understanding of swimming mechanics.
◦ Must have experience coaching or teaching kids in the age range of 4 to 18.
◦ Must work well with children and ability to create a positive, nurturing atmosphere for swimmers 4 to 18.
◦ Must pass background check.
◦ Coordinate and work well with coaching staff, team President, and Board of Directors
◦ Experience with swim team coaching in a developmental or competitive setting
• Preferred Qualifications:
◦ Certification in CPR/First Aid
How to Apply:
Submit (1) resume with work history and qualification, (2) your plan/vision for how you would approach the team as head coach, arrange practices, instruct swimmers, and lead junior coaches (Maximum 2 pages) and (3) cover letter or cover email expressing interest in the position to pwslmarlins@gmail.com by February 28, 2026.
About the Veterans Park Marlins Swim Team:
Founded in 1972, the Veterans Park Swim Team is one of the oldest competitive summer swim teams in Prince William County, Virginia. The team, in Woodbridge, VA, and is a member of the Prince William Swim League (PWSL). We strive to promote a love of swimming, teamwork, friendships, and sportsmanship in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The Marlins Swim Team includes swimmers ages 4 - 18, from beginner to advanced levels, and participates in a range of league events throughout the summer. The team operates under guidance of the Board of Directors and Head Coach. Practices and swim meets are run by the Head Coach with organizational and instructional assistance by Assistant Coaches and junior coaching staff.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Marlins family!