Head Basketball Coach
Description:
# HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
## Oklahoma Wildcats Academy Voice Up Initiative
### POSITION OVERVIEW
Oklahoma Wildcats Academy (OWA) is seeking an innovative and purpose-driven Head Basketball Coach to build and lead our transformational basketball program. This visionary leadership role offers the opportunity to develop student-athletes who excel on the court while discovering their authentic voice, purpose, and leadership potential. The ideal candidate will embrace OWA's unique integration of competitive athletics, leadership development, and entrepreneurial education while implementing the Voice Up methodology that empowers athletes to find and amplify their voice in sport and life. This position involves active recruitment of unsigned high school seniors and the development of a basketball program that prepares athletes for success in competition and beyond.
### ABOUT OKLAHOMA WILDCATS ACADEMY & VOICE UP
Oklahoma Wildcats Academy is an innovative athletic and academic institution that balances competitive sports development with leadership training, entrepreneurial education, and purpose discovery. Our Voice Up initiative is a comprehensive, purpose-driven approach that has established a presence across 100+ colleges and universities, working with both undergraduate and graduate students nationwide.
Voice Up specifically focuses on empowering young athletes to develop their authentic voice, advocate for themselves and others, and become purpose-driven leaders in their communities. The program is built on five core principles:
* **Collaboration**: Building stronger outcomes through teamwork and shared success
* **Humility**: Approaching challenges with an open mind and willingness to learn
* **Precision**: Executing with attention to detail and commitment to excellence
* **Patience**: Understanding that meaningful growth and development take time
* **Empathy**: Connecting with others through understanding and compassionate leadership
A cornerstone of the Voice Up methodology is the integration of mental and behavioral health supports into all aspects of athletic and academic programming, ensuring student-athletes develop holistically in a supportive environment.
### KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Development
* Design, implement, and lead a comprehensive basketball program that emphasizes skill development, game intelligence, and competitive excellence
* Establish a positive, purpose-driven team culture that aligns with OWA's core values and mission
* Develop and execute seasonal plans, practice schedules, and competition strategies
* Recruit student-athletes who align with OWA's mission and possess both athletic talent and character qualities to thrive in our unique environment
* Supervise assistant coaches and support staff while fostering their professional development
* Create and manage program budget, equipment needs, and facility utilization
* Oversee all aspects of the basketball program including scheduling, travel arrangements, and game day operations
Basketball Training & Competition
* Implement progressive training methodologies that develop fundamental skills, basketball IQ, and physical conditioning
* Plan and conduct effective practice sessions that balance individual development with team preparation
* Develop game strategies and make appropriate in-game adjustments
* Collaborate with strength and conditioning staff on comprehensive physical development
* Utilize video analysis, performance metrics, and other evaluation tools to enhance player and team performance
* Create individualized player development plans that address technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects
* Design and implement offensive and defensive systems appropriate for team personnel
* Schedule appropriate competition level for program development and student-athlete exposure
Player Recruitment & Talent Identification
* Lead efforts to identify and recruit unsigned high school seniors who align with OWA's purpose-driven mission
* Develop and maintain relationships with high school coaches, AAU programs, and regional basketball organizations
* Represent OWA at high school games, tournaments, showcases, and community events
* Coordinate and conduct evaluation sessions at the National Sports Combine and other recruitment events
* Analyze game film and performance data of prospective student-athletes
* Create and maintain a database of recruitment prospects with detailed evaluations
* Develop recruitment materials that effectively communicate OWA's unique value proposition
* Conduct home visits and campus tours for prospective student-athletes and their families
* Collaborate with academic staff to assess prospects' alignment with OWA's holistic development model
* Support prospective student-athletes through the application and enrollment process
Voice Up Leadership Development
* Integrate Voice Up principles into coaching methodology, helping athletes develop their authentic voice
* Implement and model the five core principles of Voice Up:
* **Collaboration**: Foster teamwork in athletic and personal development contexts
* **Humility**: Teach the value of continuous learning and growth mindset
* **Precision**: Develop attention to detail in athletic and academic pursuits
* **Patience**: Guide athletes through long-term development processes
* **Empathy**: Build compassionate leadership capabilities and emotional intelligence
* Leverage the established Voice Up Publishing network that currently spans 100+ colleges and universities with undergraduate and graduate students
* Create opportunities for athletes to practice leadership and communication skills within team settings
* Guide student-athletes in articulating their personal values and purpose through Voice Up's proven purpose-discovery framework
* Facilitate small group discussions and team-building activities that encourage self-expression
* Implement Voice Up's integrated mental and behavioral health supports throughout athletic programming
* Collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure holistic athlete wellbeing
* Support athletes in becoming advocates for themselves and their communities
Academic Integration & Purpose Development
* Collaborate with academic staff to ensure student-athletes maintain academic excellence
* Participate in and support OWA's entrepreneurial and leadership intensive sessions
* Monitor academic progress and provide appropriate support structures for student-athletes
* Align basketball schedule and demands with academic priorities and purpose development activities
* Contribute to curriculum development that integrates athletic experiences with academic learning
* Support student-athletes in connecting basketball principles to entrepreneurial thinking and leadership
* Help athletes identify and develop their unique purpose beyond basketball
* Create mentorship opportunities with basketball alumni and industry professionals
### QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in related field (Master's preferred)
* Minimum 5 years of basketball coaching experience at high school, AAU, collegiate, or professional level
* Strong technical knowledge of basketball fundamentals, tactics, and training methodologies
* Demonstrated ability to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally
* Proven leadership abilities and exceptional communication skills
* Experience recruiting and evaluating student-athletes
* Ability to embody and teach Voice Up's core principles of Collaboration, Humility, Precision, Patience, and Empathy
* Commitment to student-athlete wellbeing and holistic development
* Understanding of mental and behavioral health support systems
* Clean background check and appropriate certifications
Preferred Qualifications
* Master's degree in sports management, education, leadership, or related field
* Playing experience at collegiate or professional level
* Prior experience with leadership development programs or character-based coaching
* Success in building or transforming basketball programs
* Background in purpose-driven or holistic athlete development methodologies
* Experience with diverse student populations
* Knowledge of entrepreneurial education concepts
* Strong regional recruiting network and basketball connections
* Experience with video analysis and performance metrics
### WORK SCHEDULE
This position follows the Oklahoma Wildcats Academy academic calendar, providing a healthy balance of intensive coaching periods and substantial scheduled time off throughout the year:
Regular Schedule Periods
For illustrative purposes only
* **Fall Semester (August - November 15)**: Pre-season training and early season competition
* **Regular Season (November 16 - February 15)**: Full-time on-campus presence during competitive season
* **Spring Semester (February 16 - March 31)**: Post-season and spring development period
* **Individual Development Period (May 1-15)**: Player skill development focus
* **Summer Conditioning (June 14-30)**: Team physical preparation
Recruitment-Focused Periods
For illustrative purposes only
* **Winter Strength & Conditioning (January 6 - February 15)**: Active high school visits and prospect evaluations during season
* **National Recruitment Events**: Participation in the National Sports Combine (April 12th, 2025) and other regional showcases
* **Summer Recruitment (July)**: Targeted recruitment activities alongside reduced basketball responsibilities during Entrepreneurship Intensive
Substantial Built-In Break Periods
For illustrative purposes only
* **Winter Break (December 16 - January 5)**: Reduced schedule during holiday period
* **Leadership & Purpose Intensive (April)**: Reduced basketball responsibilities outside of National Sports Combine
* **End of Academic Year (May 16-31)**: Off period
* **Early Summer (June 1-13)**: Off period until summer conditioning begins
Additional PTO Benefits
* 10 days of personal time off earned annually, accruing at 0.83 days per month
* PTO increases based on years of service:
* Years 1-3: 10 days annually
* Years 4-6: 15 days annually
* Years 7+: 20 days annually
The Head Basketball Coach position includes approximately 220-240 on-site working days annually, with the most intensive periods during the competitive season (November-February). This schedule provides approximately 125-145 days off throughout the calendar year when combining scheduled academic breaks and earned PTO.
### COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
* Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
* Retirement plan with employer matching
* Professional development funding and coaching education support
* Relocation assistance (if applicable)
* Access to OWA facilities and wellness programs
* Opportunities for additional compensation through summer camps and clinics
### APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified candidates should submit the following materials:
* Cover letter addressing your fit with OWA's mission and Voice Up initiative
* Comprehensive resume/CV detailing relevant experience
* Basketball coaching philosophy statement (2 pages maximum)
* Vision for developing purpose-driven basketball student-athletes (2 pages maximum)
* Sample season periodization plan
* List of three professional references with contact information
**Application Deadline**: April 12th
Submit all materials electronically to with "Head Basketball Coach Application" in the subject line.
**SPECIAL NOTICE**: Candidates who begin the application process by March 15th may be invited to participate in our National Sports Combine in Oklahoma City, OK on April 12th, 2025. This event will showcase OWA's unique approach to athlete development and provide an opportunity to observe our recruitment process firsthand.
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*Oklahoma Wildcats Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse community of staff and students. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.*
*OWA seeks individuals who are committed to our unique model of purpose-driven athletics and can contribute to creating transformative experiences for our student-athletes both on and off the court.*
We are here to help you connect to your purpose and build stronger personal connections in the communities where we live. Our method is simply having personal conversations about our cause in our community, one person at a time.
Each conversation matters.
Each individual has the ability to bring people closer together.
Each interaction can make a difference
Program Overview
The Voice Up Credential represents an innovative approach to professional and personal development, combining practical experience with structured learning and direct engagement with community and business leaders.
This year-long program integrates a 100% remote, 100% flexible hands-on internship experience with comprehensive coursework and real-world perspectives connected to your purpose.
Together we are organized around the following structure:
Every person identifies a cause that is personal and valuable to them.
Mine is helping the children of the incarcerated.
Every person agrees to be held accountable to the following principles.
Collaboration
All are welcome. All means all
Collaboration
Collaboration in the workplace extends far beyond simply working together on projects. It represents an active commitment to combining diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to achieve outcomes that surpass what any individual could accomplish alone.