Description
Fort Hays State University Athletics invites applications for the position of Head Sports Performance Coach. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine and Performance, this position provides visionary leadership, oversight, and daily implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based sports performance program serving all FHSU NCAA Division II and varsity athletic teams.
The Head Sports Performance Coach will establish, model, and uphold a consistent culture of competitive excellence. This individual will be a visible leader in the athletic department, creating the performance framework that supports the success, safety, and holistic development of Tiger student-athletes.
The position integrates strength and conditioning, nutrition guidance, recovery and mobility training, supports mental health awareness, and leadership development while collaborating closely with Sports Medicine, coaching staffs, and academic and health system partners. All responsibilities will align with NCAA, NATA, NSCA, MIAA, and Fort Hays State University standards, policies, procedures, and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Culture Development
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Fort Hays State Sports Performance Department.
- Establish and consistently model a department-wide culture of discipline, accountability, respect, and effort.
- Create an inclusive performance environment that treats all sports equally with the same level of commitment and intensity.
- Serve as a daily, hands-on leader in the training environment, reinforcing standards and expectations.
Strength & Conditioning Oversight
- Design, implement, and manage comprehensive, sport-specific strength and conditioning programs for all FHSU athletic teams.
- Apply evidence-based training principles consistent with NSCA best practices and NCAA Division II standards.
- Oversee all facets of athletic development, including strength, power, speed, agility, conditioning, and movement efficiency.
- Monitor training loads, readiness, and athlete progress while adjusting programming as needed.
- Ensure safe, technically sound training sessions emphasizing injury risk reduction.
Nutrition Education & Performance Support
- Provide foundational nutrition education and guidance to support performance, recovery, and long-term health.
- Educate student-athletes on fueling strategies, hydration, supplementation awareness, and NCAA compliance.
- Collaborate with campus dining services, health professionals, and external resources as available.
Recovery, Mobility & Injury Risk Reduction
- Design and implement structured warm-up, mobility, flexibility, and recovery protocols.
- Utilize recovery strategies consistent with available resources and best practices.
- Collaborate closely with the Sports Medicine staff to support rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and modified training plans.
Mental Health Awareness & Student-Athlete Well-Being
- Promote an environment that values mental health awareness and holistic athlete development.
- Reinforce positive coping strategies, resilience, and balance within the performance setting.
- Collaborate with Sports Medicine, athletic training, and campus mental health resources as appropriate.
Leadership Development & Accountability Training
- Integrate leadership development and accountability education into the daily training model.
- Teach personal responsibility, discipline, and communication skills through intentional coaching.
- Serve as a mentor and role model for Fort Hays State student-athletes representing the Tiger brand.
Academic Program Growth & Staff Development
- Oversee the development and growth of the strength and conditioning academic and experiential learning programs.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate graduate assistants, interns, and student employees.
- Provide educational support aligned with NSCA, NCAA, and MIAA professional standards.
- Assist with curriculum support, classroom engagement, or guest lecturing as appropriate.
Collaboration, Administration & Compliance
- Collaborate effectively with coaching staffs, Sports Medicine, and athletic administration.
- Ensure full compliance with NCAA, MIAA, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate training documentation and program records.
- Pursue continuing education and professional development to remain current in the field.
About Fort Hays State University Sports Medicine
Fort Hays State University Athletics is seeking a Head Sports Performance Coach. This position will report directly to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine and Performance, and will collaborate with Team Physicians, Athletic Trainers, and other Sports Medicine professionals.
Our Sports Medicine & Performance staff at Fort Hays State University is comprised of our three Team Physicians, eight Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainers, three Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (including this position and 2 hybrid ATC/CSCS), and a variety of other Sports Medicine practitioners making up our Allied Health Care Team. This collaborative group of Sports Medicine & Performance professionals strives to provide our student-athletes with the best care, resources, and support available in Division II Athletics.
Our mission is to provide an integrated and comprehensive Sports Medicine & Performance culture that establishes a standard of excellence beyond our individual members by utilizing the collective strengths of our members to collaboratively work towards a unified purpose. We fill our Sports Medicine & Performance team with dedicated individuals who are committed to our culture of excellence through a concerted effort to encourage, enhance, and assist each other, fostering a system of mutual support and personal investment.
The strategic vision of our Sports Medicine & Performance team is to seamlessly integrate into all aspects of the athletics department, by complementing each area of focus and team’s unique circumstances to contribute to the overall shared results. Our Administration will know that we will firmly follow best practice while being cognizant and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of collegiate athletics. Our Coaches will know that we are invested in their team and through our specialty knowledge and skills we can aid them in their pursuit of student-athlete development and team success. And our Student-Athletes will know that our care and support is genuine with an emphasis on overall wellness to aid and support them in achieving their goals. Our emphasis on overall student-athlete wellness includes their physical health, mental health, and performance health by utilizing a forward-thinking approach to always encourage, embrace, and pursue growth in all areas.
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Additional Benefits: This position will receive the following items annually:
o Paid NSCA Professional Membership Fees
o $500 Personal CEU Budget
o $250 Personal Nike Apparel Budget
o Paid BOC Maintenance Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)
o Paid Kansas AT Licensure Fees (if the successful candidate is an ATC)
Sports Medicine Staff has the ability to receive the following:
o Tuition Assistance at Fort Hays State University for the employee, as well as the employee's spouse and children.
o Professional Development Funding through a university application process.
o Additional Income from working FHSU Summer Sport Camps or creating and running an FHSU Sports Performance Camp.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Demonstrated collegiate strength and conditioning experience.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to establish and enforce consistent standards across all programs.
- Commitment to student-athlete safety, development, and academic success.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Previous experience within NCAA Division II and/or MIAA membership.
- Experience supervising graduate assistants and interns.
- Knowledge of NATA/NSCA injury prevention and return-to-play principles.
- NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC®) designation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive understanding of applied sports performance science.
- Proven ability to lead with consistency, fairness, and energy.
- Effective collaborator within a multidisciplinary athletic department.
- Commitment to professional, ethical, and educational excellence.
Work Environment & Expectations
- Flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and potential team travel.
- Ability to physically demonstrate exercises and coach in an active training environment.
- Serve as a visible ambassador of Fort Hays State University Athletics.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Name: Nathanial Hepner
Email: njhepner@fhsu.edu
