Job Description

The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are looking for an experienced Strength and Conditioning Coach to join our Health & Performance team! This role will oversee the day-to-day operations of the weight room, ensuring our players receive individualized programming to optimize basketball performance, player development, injury risk reduction strategies, and supporting rehabilitation for players’ medical issues. This position will be seasonal, working under the direction of our Director of Health & Performance and General Manager during the duration of the WNBA season.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming & Coaching Activities

• Develop and implement an effective WNBA strength and conditioning program to support on-court performance, player development, injury risk-reduction and rehabilitation
• Lead the implementation of strength and conditioning services to Sparks players
• Lead training session design, coaching, and supervision
• Conduct team warm-ups
• Organize, schedule, and implement training times of players

Assessment

• Execute scientific protocols for athlete performance assessment and workload & fatigue monitoring
• Oversee the testing, maintenance, and repair of strength and conditioning equipment
• Keep up-to-date electronic records of athlete testing, training and athlete monitoring data on the team’s athlete data management platforms

Education Development

• Engage in continuous professional development, keeping abreast of the latest trends and best practices in sports performance and strength and conditioning practices
• Educate athletes, coaches, and front office leadership groups on injury risk reduction techniques, warm-up routines, post-workout recovery strategies, and overall sports performance principles
• Provide guidance on optimized nutrition, hydration, sleep, and lifestyle factors that impact performance

Collaboration

• Function as part of an effective multidisciplinary team member to provide high-performance services to athletes and coaches
• Collaborate with the broader Health & Performance staff to design and implement strength and conditioning assessment protocols and training monitoring systems
• Maintain daily communication with the medical team and Director of Health & Performance
• Partner with team’s Registered Dietician to offer appropriate nutritional and hydration guidance to players
• Collaborate with leadership for future facing initiatives and departmental planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership skills and have a consistent track record of commanding and building relationships with high-level athletes in a professional team environment
• Experience utilizing several sport science platforms and athlete performance testing equipment and appropriate protocols including but not limited to isometric strength testing, VBT, and force plates
• Consistent track record of outstanding communication skills with coaches, athletes, other staff, and administrators, with the ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, a team player, and a proven ability to work effectively as part of the Health & Performance Team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and manage multiple responsibilities
• Strong critical thinking skills and knowledge to develop and adapt training programs for elite basketball athletes
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with advancements in strength and conditioning

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in exercise and sport science or a related field
• Specialty in strength and conditioning and postgraduate degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with College/Professional/Olympic/National Team level athletes
• Professional basketball experience is preferred
• Current CSCS certification or other professional qualifications or certifications related to elite athlete conditioning or testing
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications required

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to travel with the team during the WNBA season and will be required to be available for practice, on the road, training, games, and off day training sessions
• The schedule is ever-changing which will require the Strength and Conditioning Coach to have a flexible schedule

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary at $50,000 for the WNBA season duration

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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