"Assistant Coach, Softball"

About the Department

George Mason Athletics unites communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Mason Athletics serves 500 student-athletes in 22 NCAA Division I sports. We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference with over 20 Conference Championships, NCAA Championships in Women’s Soccer and Men’s Indoor Track, an NCAA Final Four appearance with Men’s Basketball, and over 30 individual National Champions. We are student-focused, education-centered, and committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. Our five priorities are Student-Athlete Experience, Competition, Resources, Storytelling & Engagement, and Championship Culture.

About the Position

The Defensive Coach is responsible for leading and developing the team’s overall defensive strategies and execution within a competitive Division I softball program. This role involves providing direct instruction, analyzing videos, and implementing data-driven player development, all while working collaboratively with the Head Coach and coaching staff. The Defensive Coach is also responsible for ensuring the safety, academic accountability, and holistic well-being of student-athletes under their care. In the absence of the Head Coach, the incumbent may be expected to act on behalf of the program on all team matters. This position is required to travel and work weekends and holidays. Additionally, this position requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.

Responsibilities

Primary Coaching Responsibilities

• Serves as the defensive coordinator with full responsibility for the team's defensive philosophy, structure, and execution;
• Develops and implements daily defensive practice plans that focus on skill development, team communication, situational awareness, and system integration;
• Provides instruction to all defensive units, including infielders, outfielders, and catchers, as needed, to ensure consistent standards and communication across positions;
• Conducts individual and group defensive drills with a focus on proper technique, footwork, angles, and decision-making under pressure; and
• Provides individualized feedback and plans for defensive improvement to each player.

Game Preparation & Strategy

• Leads pre-game defensive planning, including opponent tendencies, alignments, and coverage based on scouting reports and statistical analysis;
• Collaborates with the Head Coach and Pitching Coach to integrate defensive strategy with pitching plans and in-game execution;
• Manages in-game defensive adjustments, including shifts, and positioning; and
• Assists with opponent scouting and provide detailed defensive reports and briefings to players.

Technology & Data Integration

• Utilizes Synergy Sports, 643 Charts, Rapsodo, Blast Motion, and other technologies to assess player performance, tendencies, and development areas;
• Analyzes and presents video clips and data reports to support individual learning and team preparation;
• Maintains a system of tracking defensive efficiency and outcomes to measure progress and make informed coaching decisions; and
• Uses technology to design scouting visuals and presentations for team meetings and player development sessions.

Team Operations & Leadership

• Serves as a core member of the coaching staff, contributing to the overall culture, structure, and success of the program;
• Actively supports recruiting by evaluating defensive talent, attending events, and engaging with prospective student-athletes and their networks; and
• In the absence of the Head Coach, takes leadership of program operations including practices, team travel, and competition management.

Student-Athlete Welfare

• Promotes and ensures the safety, well-being, and academic progress of all student-athletes;
• Acts as a mentor, teacher, and role model for players in all areas of their development;
• Upholds and reinforces program standards of accountability, sportsmanship, and team-first mentality; and
• Collaborates with academic support staff, athletic trainers, and administrators to support student-athlete success both on and off the field.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience organizing, developing, and executing recruitment plans;
• Working knowledge of NCAA and Conference (A10) rules and regulations;
• Ability to organize, develop, and execute recruitment plans; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school administrators, parents, and students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Advanced degree or equivalent work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree; and
• Knowledge of recruitment techniques and proven ability to bring in high-level prospects.

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Coach, Softball at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Resume for review.