Damien High School Head Swim Coach

POSITION SUMMARY

Damien High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school for young men located in La Verne, California, is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and dedicated Head Swimming Coach to lead its swimming program.

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader who is passionate about developing student-athletes, building a competitive and sustainable program, and fostering a positive team culture. The Head Swimming Coach will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including athlete development, practice planning, competition preparation, and overall program management.

Damien High School seeks a coach who values competitive excellence while recognizing that the ultimate purpose of high school athletics is to develop young men of character, integrity, discipline, and leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight of the swimming program at all levels.
• Develop and implement effective training programs focused on skill development, conditioning, and competitive performance.
• Establish a positive team culture emphasizing accountability, sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Prepare student-athletes for league, invitational, CIF Southern Section, and applicable postseason competitions.
• Supervise and collaborate with assistant coaches and athletic department personnel.
• Manage team operations, including scheduling, communication, equipment, and meet preparation.
• Ensure compliance with Damien High School policies, league regulations, and CIF Southern Section rules.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.
• Build relationships within the school and local swimming community to promote participation and long-term program growth.
• Communicate effectively with student-athletes, parents, school administration, and the Athletic Director.
• Support and uphold the Catholic mission and values of Damien High School.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Previous competitive swimming coaching experience at the high school, club, or collegiate level.
• Strong knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, training methods, and athlete development.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop swimmers of varying skill levels.
• Commitment to student-athlete safety, academic achievement, and character development.
• Ability to meet all applicable school and CIF coaching certification and employment requirements.
• Willingness to support the Catholic mission and educational philosophy of Damien High School.

Preferred:

• Previous head coaching experience.
• Demonstrated success building or leading a competitive swimming program.
• Experience coaching swimmers at the league championship, CIF Southern Section, or comparable competitive level.
• Familiarity with Southern California high school and club swimming.
• Experience developing a comprehensive program that promotes participation, athlete retention, and competitive success.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, letter of interest, and three professional references to the Damien High School Athletic Department.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2027
Compensation: starting at $6,500 and up commensurate with experience

Contact: Jeff Grant — jgrant@damien-hs.edu

ABOUT DAMIEN HIGH SCHOOL

Inspired by St. Damien of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Damien High School, an all-male Catholic school, develops men of Service, Scholarship, and Faith, prepared to engage in a dynamic global society. Damien High School is owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).