About the role
Who You Are
You might be exactly who we're looking for.
This program is for you if you:
Want to be a leader and positive role model for younger athletes
Identify as female
Are at least 15 years old (or a rising sophomore)
Have played the sport you want to coach at the middle school level or higher
No prior coaching experience required — just a genuine desire to lead and give back.
What You'll Do
The Coach Today, Lead for Life program combines hands-on leadership development with the opportunity to coach a team in your community.
Here's what that looks like:
Leadership Program
Attend a Leadership Academy training before your season begins
Engage with professional development content delivered throughout the program to keep you growing
Meet weekly with a dedicated adult mentor for guidance and reflection throughout your season
Connect and grow alongside a peer cohort of fellow WCA coaches going through the program with you
Coaching Placement
Coach young athletes alongside a peer co-coach, keeping sport fun while helping kids build real skills
Prepare, organize, and adapt practices and game plans for athletes of different skill levels
Communicate with kids, parents, co-coaches, and program staff throughout the season
Coach 1–2 practices per week plus games — typically weekday practices and weekend games
Commit to a full coaching season, which is usually 6–10 weeks depending on your league
What’s Required
Here's what you'll need to participate in the program:
Be reliable, consistent, and fully present — your players need you at every practice and game
Have a schedule that allows you to show up consistently — significant conflicts with school, work, sports, or other commitments during the coaching season may affect your eligibility
Have reliable transportation to and from all practices and games
Attend the Leadership Academy training before your season begins
Be at least 15 years old or a rising sophomore
Have played the sport you want to coach at the middle school level or higher
Submit a work permit if you are under 18
Submit a Parental Consent Form if you are under 18
Complete a background check if you are 18 or older
Pay a $200 Program Commitment Fee upon acceptance. Scholarships are available so that cost is never a barrier to participating — if you're able to pay, doing so helps us support those who need it most
What You'll Receive
The Coach Today, Lead for Life program offers more than a coaching placement — it's a structured leadership experience with real support along the way:
Leadership Academy training and sample practice plans to set you up for success
A dedicated adult mentor with weekly check-ins throughout your season
A peer cohort of fellow WCA coaches growing alongside you
Professional development content delivered throughout the program
A paid coaching position with hourly pay at minimum wage.
A co-coach to partner with throughout the season
About This Program The Women's Coaching Alliance is on a mission to develop female leaders through coaching youth sports. The Coach Today, Lead for Life program is a paid leadership development experience in which participants coach young athletes in their community while building the confidence, communication skills, and character that translate directly to college, careers, and life. This is a real commitment — and that's what makes it real leadership. This program requires sustained engagement throughout. During coaching seasons, participants are expected to attend scheduled practices, games, and mentor check-ins. Between seasons, the time commitment is lighter, but active engagement continues. Participants are expected to attend scheduled sessions and events, respond to communication in a timely way, and stay engaged across all phases of the program.