Assistant Track & Field Coach (Throws) – Western Illinois University

Institution: Western Illinois University

Location: Macomb, IL

Salary: 36,000-38,000

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Throws Coach is responsible for leading and developing student-athletes in the throwing events, including shot put, discus, hammer throw, weight throw, and javelin. The coach will oversee all aspects of the throws program, including athlete development, recruiting, competition preparation, and compliance, while contributing to the overall success of the NCAA Division I Track & Field program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coaching & Athlete Development
• Design, implement, and oversee annual training plans for throwers using evidence-based coaching methodologies.
• Provide technical instruction in shot put, discus, hammer throw, weight throw, and javelin.
• Develop individualized training programs that integrate technical work, strength and conditioning, mobility, and recovery strategies.
• Utilize video analysis and performance data to evaluate technique and monitor athlete progression.
• Prepare athletes for conference, regional, and national championship competition.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition, and sport science staff to optimize athlete performance and well-being.

Recruiting:

• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes capable of succeeding academically and athletically at the Division I level.
• Build and maintain relationships with high school coaches, club coaches, and recruiting networks.
• Coordinate recruiting visits and communications while adhering to NCAA recruiting regulations.
• recruiting databases and evaluate prospective athletes through competition results, video review, and in-person evaluations.

Compliance & Administration:

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.
• Assist with travel planning, meet management, equipment procurement, and budget oversight.
• Maintain accurate records of training programs, athlete progress, recruiting activities, and compliance documentation.
• Support operational responsibilities as assigned by the Head Coach.

Athlete Welfare & Academic Support:

• Promote a culture of academic excellence, accountability, and personal growth.
• Monitor student-athlete academic progress and coordinate with academic support staff.
• Prioritize athlete health and safety through collaboration with sports medicine personnel and adherence to best practices in training and competition.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for student-athletes both on and off the field.

Program Leadership & Engagement:

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture that supports competitive success.
• Assist with fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement, camps, and clinics.
• Represent the program and university in a professional manner at athletic, campus, and community events.
• Support the overall mission and goals of the track & field and athletics departments.

Qualifications:

Required-

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Collegiate, club, or elite-level coaching experience in one or more throwing events.
• Knowledge of training theory, technique development, and strength programming for throwers.
• Understanding of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recruit and develop student-athletes in a highly competitive Division I environment.

Preferred-

• Master’s degree in kinesiology, sport science, coaching, or a related field.
• NCAA Division I coaching and recruiting experience.
• Demonstrated success developing conference champions, regional qualifiers, or national-level throwers.
• USATF, USTFCCCA, or other relevant coaching certifications.
• Experience utilizing performance analysis technology and sport science tools.

Work Environment:

• Requires frequent evening and weekend work and extensive travel during the competitive season.
• Ability to safely demonstrate throwing techniques and manage event-specific equipment.
• Must be capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year.

Performance Expectations:

• Recruit and retain high-quality student-athletes.
• Develop athletes to achieve conference, regional, and national competitive standards.
• Maintain NCAA and institutional compliance.
• Foster academic achievement, personal growth, and a championship-level culture within the throws program.

To Apply:
Send cover letter/resume/references to Matt Rosado – m-rosado@wiu.edu

Job Categories

NCAA Division I, Full-Time, Assistant Coach, Track and Field, Throws

How to Apply

Email
m-rosado@wiu.edu

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