Title: Varsity Volleyball Head Coach (Upper School) 

Direct Reports: N/A

Reports to: Director of Athletics 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Department: Coach 

FT/PT/R/T: Part-Time, Temporary 

When Needed: Fall Season 2026

Who We Are:

University Prep (UPrep) is a 6–12 independent school in northeast Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most dynamic cities. We offer an intellectually rich education that fosters deep inquiry and critical thinking that is powered by student engagement. Our students graduate prepared for college and life. UPrep is a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni that joins together to support our students in becoming caring and productive adults. UPrep is a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and we aspire for all community members to feel like they belong. We believe that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission to develop each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.   

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, leads the University Prep Volleyball Program. Season begins August 25, 2026 and concludes in mid- November.  Practices are held Monday-Friday with occasional Saturdays.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Leads our varsity team and has significant oversight and leadership of JV, JVC and MS teams
• Creates a sense of community within the volleyball program
• Teaches appropriate fundamentals, techniques, strategies and skills
• Recruitment of coaching staff and the development and management of practice/game protocols and procedures
• Ability to promote a positive team culture that emphasis sportsmanship, teamwork, respect and competition
• Is responsible for health and safety of the athletes
• Articulates a well-defined and understandable coaching philosophy to players and families
• Applies developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate methods to coaching student-athletes
• Prepares detailed practice and game plans
• Emphasizes sportsmanship and leadership among athletes
• Clearly and effectively communicates to players, parents, administrators and staff
• Positively motivates athletes and promotes teamwork
• Inventories and organizes gear and uniforms; requests new purchases as needed
• Attends all meetings required by league and/or Athletic Director
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in physical education or related field from a four-year college or university preferred
• Demonstrated competence and experience in coaching volleyball required
• Ability to energize and positively motivate players
• Recent successful coaching experience in an Upper School environment preferred
• Must possess or be willing to obtain valid First Aid/CPR card
• Must complete WIAA coaches’ education requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be a strong, successful volleyball player
• Deep knowledge of the intricacies of the game of volleyball
• Understanding of the developmental needs of upper school- aged students
• Efficient, well organized, and able to handle a variety of duties simultaneously
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program
• Professional manner, discretion, and appearance
• Sense of humor, energy and enthusiasm and ability to hold students and oneself to high expectations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills and strong work ethic
• Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Proficient in appropriate computer skills and office equipment
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Awareness of proper body mechanics to prevent injury
• Ability to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, walk, and talk
• Ability to use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Some local travel may be required