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Sport Performance Coach Intern Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Sport Performance Coach Intern information

How do you become a sport performance coach intern?

To become a sport performance coach intern, candidates typically need a background in exercise science, sports science, or related fields, along with relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid. Internships often require demonstrating knowledge of training techniques, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn in a team environment. Applying through sports organizations, gyms, or athletic programs and gaining practical experience are common steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sport performance coach intern?

To thrive as a Sport Performance Coach Intern, you generally need a background in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of training principles and athlete development. Familiarity with strength and conditioning tools, performance tracking software, and certifications like CPR/AED or NSCA-CSCS are often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with athletes set exceptional interns apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring athletes’ safety, fostering development, and contributing positively to team dynamics in a demanding sports environment.

What do sport performance coach interns do?

As a Sport Performance Coach Intern, you can expect to assist with athlete assessments, help design and implement training programs, and support monitoring of athlete progress. Interns often work closely with experienced coaches, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and performance analytics. You will likely collaborate with other staff, such as athletic trainers and nutritionists, and have opportunities to observe or participate in team meetings, workshops, and practice sessions. This role offers valuable exposure to the daily operations of a sports performance team and helps build foundational coaching skills.

What is a sport performance coach intern?

Sport Performance Coach Interns are individuals who assist experienced coaches in designing and implementing training programs to help athletes improve their physical and mental performance. They often work with teams or individual athletes, learning to assess fitness levels, develop exercise routines, and monitor progress. Interns gain hands-on experience in areas like strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and sports psychology, under professional supervision. This role is typically pursued by students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in sports science or coaching.

What is the difference between Sport Performance Coach Intern vs Sport Performance Coach?

AspectSport Performance Coach InternSport Performance Coach
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or holding relevant certifications (e.g., NSCA, CSCS), some internships may not require certificationsTypically holds certifications and relevant degrees in sports science, kinesiology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised environment working with athletes or teams during training sessionsFull-time professional role involving designing and implementing training programs for athletes
Employer & Industry UsageInternships are common in sports teams, gyms, or sports performance facilitiesEmployed by sports teams, training centers, or athletic organizations as a full-time coach

The main difference between a Sport Performance Coach Intern and a Sport Performance Coach lies in experience, responsibilities, and certification level. Interns are typically in training or early career stages, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while full coaches have established credentials and independently manage athlete training programs.

What job categories do people searching Sport Performance Coach Intern jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Sport Performance Coach Intern jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Sport Performance Coach Intern jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Sport Performance Coach Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Sport Performance Coach Intern job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Athletic Director - Head Athletic Trainer

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Description:

Valparaiso University seeks a Head Athletic Trainer to lead the Sports Medicine Department. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of all sports medicine services, ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports.
The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive sports medicine policies and procedures, supervising athletic training staff, coordinating healthcare services with team physicians and other medical providers, and fostering a collaborative approach to student-athlete care. This position serves as a key member of the Athletics leadership team.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Sports Medicine Leadership
    • Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Valparaiso University Sports Medicine Department.
    • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices that promote the health and safety of student-athletes.
    • Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality sports medicine services across all varsity programs.
    • Coordinate athletic training coverage for practices, competitions, camps, and postseason events.
    • Maintain and regularly review emergency action plans for all athletics venues.
  • Student-Athlete Healthcare 
    • Prevent, evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate athletic injuries and illnesses.
    • Coordinate pre-participation physical examinations and medical clearances.
    • Develop individualized rehabilitation and return-to-play programs in consultation with team physicians and sport performance staff.
    • Monitor student-athlete health and wellness while promoting injury prevention strategies.
    • Provide emergency medical care during practices and competitions.
  • Medical Administration 
    • Oversee the department's electronic medical records system, including Healthy Roster, ensuring accurate, timely, and confidential documentation.
    • Coordinate physician clinics and referrals to medical specialists.
    • Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, NCAA, conference, and university healthcare standards.
    • Ensure proper documentation of injuries, treatments, rehabilitation progress, and medical clearances.
  • Supervision and Staff Development 
    • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant athletic trainers, interns, and student employees.
    • Foster professional development and continuing education opportunities for sports medicine staff.
  • Collaboration 
    • Work collaboratively with team physicians, sports performance personnel, nutrition services, counseling services, compliance, academic services, coaching staffs, and university administration.
    • Participate in departmental leadership meetings and university committees as assigned.
    • Serve as a resource to coaches regarding injury management, return-to-play decisions, and student-athlete health initiatives.
  •  Budget and Equipment Management
    • Manage the annual Sports Medicine operating budget.
    • Oversee purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of athletic training equipment and medical supplies.
  • Compliance and Risk Management 
    • Ensure departmental compliance with NCAA legislation, conference policies, university policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
    • Oversee concussion management, environmental safety protocols, and other NCAA health and safety initiatives.
    • Maintain required certifications, licensure, and departmental accreditation standards.
  • Other Responsibilities 
    • Travel with athletic teams as assigned.
    • Support departmental initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Master's degree in Athletic Training
  • Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC).
  • Current eligibility for athletic training licensure in the State of Indiana.
  • Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
  • Minimum of five years of collegiate athletic training experience, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience.
  • Experience utilizing electronic medical records systems, preferably Healthy Roster or similar software.
  • Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Other Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Athletic Training.
  • Experience leading a Division I sports medicine program.
  • Knowledge of NCAA Division I health and safety initiatives and best practices.

Additional Information

  • Comprehensive knowledge of athletic injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and emergency medical procedures.
  • Strong understanding of NCAA regulations, sports medicine standards, and risk management practices.
  • Excellent leadership and staff management skills.
  • Outstanding organizational and communication abilities.
  • Ability to build trust with student-athletes, coaches, physicians, and campus partners.
  • Commitment to providing exceptional healthcare while supporting the University's mission of excellence in academics, athletics, and character development.


All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

Cover letter

Resume

List of 3 professional references

Answer all application questions

 

Please address the cover letter to:

Merce Poindexter, Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Welfare & Compliance

Valparaiso University