The coaches at Seminole High School are crucial to the success of our athletics department and individual athletes; they’re sources of orange and black pride in every Nole. In order to ensure the success of our athletes, Seminole’s coaches have to undergo a selective recruitment process. According to principal Dr. Connie Collins, the criteria includes being qualified by the state of Florida. However, becoming a coach entails much more than what is seen on the surface.

In order to become a coach, one must be educated and receive a variety of certifications. Coaches are required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) in case of medical emergencies. They also have to complete the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Concussion in Sports Course, Sudden Cardiac Arrest or AED Certification.

Not all coaches are chosen because of their certifications, however. Oftentimes, Dr. Collins chooses to recruit coaches from the existing teachers due to their interest.

“I usually ask teachers if they want the coaching position before posting the job anywhere else,” Collins said.

If a teacher wants to become a coach, they would not be required to obtain a coaching endorsement certificate. SHS has its own requirements made by Dr. Collins, such as an ability to positively interact with children and a passion for teaching. Additionally, Dr. Collins requires that the coach selected has to have past experience playing the sport that they will be teaching.

In the event of a coach quitting, SHS acquires new coaches in one of two ways: first, Dr. Collins sends out a notification to staff members stating that they’re looking for a new coach. If no one wants the position, Dr. Collins posts the job and seek outside recruits. This is an extremely important process, especially for key sports that are lacking coaches. 

“Our other coach quit, but we have a new coach going through processing right now,” said head cheerleading coach Jessica Garrett. 

SHS coaches not only instruct our Noles, but they also serve as role models to our students. This is why the process for hiring and committing to coaches is vital. The job of a coach is no easy task as it takes a lot of patience to deal with high school students.

“It’s definitely a lot of work being a coach, but it’s all worth it in the end because you get to be a positive part of the kids’ lives,” said JV football and lacrosse coach Cary Cox.