Lead Swim Coach — Morning Program

MORNING SESSION COACH — Headwater Athletics
Before-School Swim Program | Boulder, CO | Part-Time

About Headwater Athletics

Headwater Athletics is a Boulder-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids with ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety to the transformative power of sports — starting with swimming this fall, with plans to expand into additional sports in the future.

Every Headwater program is built on four core pillars: cognitive growth through movement, heart-led coaching, grit and resilience, and positive community and confidence. We are intentional about creating an atmosphere that is warm, joyful, and conducive to real friendship — a place where kids who have often felt different finally feel like they belong. We intentionally keep our programs small, with a low student-to-coach ratio, ensuring each child receives focused attention and encouragement specific to their needs and abilities. Our morning session will grow as the program develops, and we will bring on an additional assistant coach if needed to ensure every child is well supported.

Our model is grounded in Dr. John Ratey's research showing that aerobic movement measurably improves attention and academic performance — with an especially strong effect for kids with ADHD. We are not a competitive swim team. We are a development program designed to help kids focus better, regulate more easily, and show up more confident — in the water and in life.

About the Role

We are looking for a seasoned, experienced coach to lead our before-school morning session for intermediate to advanced middle schoolers with ADHD, anxiety, and/or learning differences. The goal of this program is to get kids regulated, focused, and ready to learn before the school day begins.

Sessions run a couple of mornings per week, starting at 7:15 or 7:30am, and consist of 35 to 40 minutes in the pool followed by 10 to 15 minutes of executive functioning exercises on the pool deck.

The Ideal Candidate

The right coach for this role is technically strong, excellent at teaching strokes, and knows how to gamify practice to keep kids engaged and make regulation feel energizing rather than repetitive. Most importantly, they genuinely enjoy working with neurodivergent kids and get real satisfaction from making a positive difference in a child's life. This is not just a qualification — it is the heart of what we are looking for.

Qualifications

• Seasoned coaching experience with competitive-level age group swimmers
• Demonstrated experience working with children who have ADHD, anxiety, and/or learning differences
• CPR/AED certification
• First Aid certification
• Lifeguard certification (required by some rec center facilities)
• USA Swimming coach membership and background check
• Safe Sport certification
• Proof of liability insurance or willingness to work under Headwater Athletics' coverage

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Rebecca Zweig, Founder, at rebecca@headwaterathletics.com

Headwater Athletics — Building Focus, Strong Bodies, and Kind Hearts.