Head Varsity Softball Coach

Diocese of Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 5,000 - 9,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is seeking a dynamic Head Varsity Softball Coach to lead our softball program with a student-centered approach. The role emphasizes faith, character, competition, and community within the Catholic Central Athletics framework.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent teacher and communicator, with a proven coaching background, strong knowledge of softball fundamentals, and a commitment to developing student-athletes in faith and character while promoting

Qualifications

• Previous softball coaching experience required.
• High school or collegiate coaching experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of MHSAA rules and high school athletics preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification as required.
• Ability to pass required background and employment screenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Catholic Central softball program at the varsity level and work collaboratively with coaches throughout the program.
• Establish a positive, competitive, and inclusive team culture where student-athletes feel valued, challenged, supported, and motivated.
• Develop strong relationships with student-athletes and serve as a positive mentor and role model.
• Teach and develop fundamental softball skills, game strategy, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• Establish clear expectations for student-athletes regarding academics, attendance, effort, behavior, character, and commitment.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with student-athletes, parents, assistant coaches, school administration, and the Athletic Department.
• Plan and conduct organized, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Develop a comprehensive offseason program designed to improve player development, strength, conditioning, and softball skills.
• Work intentionally to grow participation and build a sustainable softball program at Catholic Central.
• Develop relationships with prospective student-athletes and families and actively promote the softball program within the Catholic Central community.
• Create opportunities for team building, leadership development, service, faith formation, and community engagement.
• Demonstrate appropriate sideline behavior and promote sportsmanship and respect toward opponents, officials, teammates, and spectators.
• Manage the program responsibly, including equipment, uniforms, budget, scheduling, transportation, facilities, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Follow all Catholic Central, athletic department, conference, and MHSAA policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Athletic Director and other coaches to support the overall mission and direction of Catholic Central Athletics.
• Participate in required coaches meetings, professional development, retreats, evaluations, and athletic department activities.
• Maintain appropriate records and complete required administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Represent Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School positively within the school, Catholic community, and greater Grand Rapids community.

Skills

Softball coaching

Communication

Leadership

MHSAA rules knowledge

Job description

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026

Position Start: Fall 2026

Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered leader to serve as our Head Varsity Softball Coach.

The Head Softball Coach is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the entire softball program while creating an environment that reflects the mission and values of Catholic Central Athletics. The ideal candidate will be an excellent teacher, communicator, relationship-builder, and competitor who is committed to developing student-athletes in faith, character, and competition.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head Varsity Softball Coach will:

• Lead and oversee the Catholic Central softball program at the varsity level and work collaboratively with coaches throughout the program.
• Establish a positive, competitive, and inclusive team culture where student-athletes feel valued, challenged, supported, and motivated.
• Develop strong relationships with student-athletes and serve as a positive mentor and role model.
• Teach and develop fundamental softball skills, game strategy, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• Establish clear expectations for student-athletes regarding academics, attendance, effort, behavior, character, and commitment.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with student-athletes, parents, assistant coaches, school administration, and the Athletic Department.
• Plan and conduct organized, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Develop a comprehensive offseason program designed to improve player development, strength, conditioning, and softball skills.
• Work intentionally to grow participation and build a sustainable softball program at Catholic Central.
• Develop relationships with prospective student-athletes and families and actively promote the softball program within the Catholic Central community.
• Create opportunities for team building, leadership development, service, faith formation, and community engagement.
• Demonstrate appropriate sideline behavior and promote sportsmanship and respect toward opponents, officials, teammates, and spectators.
• Manage the program responsibly, including equipment, uniforms, budget, scheduling, transportation, facilities, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Follow all Catholic Central, athletic department, conference, and MHSAA policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Athletic Director and other coaches to support the overall mission and direction of Catholic Central Athletics.
• Participate in required coaches meetings, professional development, retreats, evaluations, and athletic department activities.
• Maintain appropriate records and complete required administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Represent Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School positively within the school, Catholic community, and greater Grand Rapids community.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the mission and Catholic identity of Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
• Proven experience coaching softball, preferably at the high school or collegiate level.
• Strong knowledge of softball fundamentals, strategy, player development, and game management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with teenagers and families.
• A leadership style that combines high expectations with encouragement, accountability, and respect.
• A commitment to developing the whole student-athlete, not simply the athlete.
• The ability to create a culture where athletes are excited to participate, improve, compete, and represent Catholic Central.
• A demonstrated commitment to program development and long-term participation growth.
• The ability to recruit and retain student-athletes within our school community.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with assistant coaches, athletic department staff, school administration, and families.
• A willingness to receive feedback, evaluate the program honestly, and continually grow as a coach and leader.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The Head Varsity Softball Coach will be expected to establish a program culture built upon:

Faith – Helping student-athletes understand that athletics is an opportunity to grow in character, faith, service, and leadership.

Character – Developing young women who demonstrate integrity, accountability, resilience, humility, sportsmanship, and respect.

Competition – Creating a disciplined and competitive environment where athletes are challenged to pursue excellence and reach their potential.

Community – Building a softball program that student-athletes, families, alumni, and the Catholic Central community are proud to support.

Growth – Developing a sustainable program that attracts, develops, and retains student-athletes at every level.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous softball coaching experience required.
• High school or collegiate coaching experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of MHSAA rules and high school athletics preferred.
• Successful completion of all required MHSAA and Catholic Central coaching requirements.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification as required.
• Ability to pass required background and employment screenings.