Bernalillo High School (BHS) Head Tennis Coach

Position Title: Head Varsity Tennis Coach

Location: Bernalillo High School, 148 Spartan Alley, Bernalillo, NM 87004 (Bernalillo Public Schools District)

Season: Spring (Boys and Girls; NMAA aligns both genders in spring season) – Stipend Position (Part-Time, Seasonal)

Reports To: Athletic Director

Position Summary

Bernalillo Public Schools is seeking a qualified, knowledgeable, and student-centered Head Varsity Tennis Coach to lead the Bernalillo High School boys and girls tennis program.

The Head Varsity Tennis Coach is responsible for the overall leadership, organization, supervision, development, and administration of the BHS tennis program. The coach will provide student-athletes with a positive interscholastic athletic experience that promotes skill development, academic achievement, sportsmanship, teamwork, character, personal responsibility, safety, and respect.

The Head Coach is expected to develop a comprehensive tennis program consistent with the mission, vision, policies, and expectations of Bernalillo Public Schools and Bernalillo High School and in compliance with all applicable New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and applicable tennis rules and regulations.

The Head Coach serves as a role model for student-athletes and is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct while fostering an inclusive environment that respects the diverse cultures and communities served by Bernalillo Public Schools.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Coaching: Create and execute practice plans focused on tennis fundamentals, including serving, returning, groundstrokes, volleys, footwork, court positioning, singles and doubles strategy, conditioning, and match play. Tailor instruction to individual skill levels and use video analysis or other appropriate technology to support player development. Promote culturally responsive and bilingual instruction where beneficial for the diverse BHS student-athlete population.
Team Management: Recruit, develop, and select student-athletes for the boys and girls tennis program in accordance with BPS and NMAA requirements. Establish and enforce team expectations regarding attendance, conduct, sportsmanship, uniforms, practices, competitions, and academic eligibility. Build an inclusive team culture emphasizing equity, resilience, accountability, teamwork, respect, and positive relationships.
Competition and Events: Organize and prepare the team for dual matches, tournaments, NMAA district competition, and state-qualifying/state championship events. Coordinate with the Athletic Director regarding schedules, transportation, facilities, and other competition needs. Manage tennis equipment, uniforms, supplies, match lineups, and required competition documentation. Conduct post-match reviews to support continued individual and team development..
Student-Athlete Support: Monitor student-athlete academic eligibility and encourage academic achievement, attendance, responsible decision-making, and overall well-being. Support student-athletes interested in collegiate tennis opportunities by assisting with appropriate recruitment information, athletic profiles, and communication when requested. Collaborate with counselors, administrators, athletic trainers, families, and other school personnel to support student wellness, injury prevention, and successful participation.
Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all Bernalillo Public Schools, NMPED, NMAA, and NFHS requirements, including applicable tennis rules, coaching licensure, concussion protocols, required coaching education, CPR/AED certification, student eligibility, heat illness prevention, emergency procedures, and student-safety requirements. Provide appropriate supervision during practices, matches, tournaments, travel, and other team activities. Supervise assistant coaches and ensure tennis courts, equipment, and practice environments are safe and appropriate for student participation..
Community and Administrative Duties: Promote the BHS tennis program through school spirit activities, student recruitment, community engagement, and District-approved communications and fundraising activities. Maintain positive relationships with student-athletes, families, staff, officials, opponents, and community partners. Attend required athletic department and coaching meetings; maintain rosters, schedules, results, inventory, and other required records; and submit reports and documentation to the Athletic Director within established timelines.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred (in Education, Kinesiology, or related). Minimum 1-2 years coaching or competitive playing experience; prior high school/club tennis involvement strongly preferred.
Certifications: NMAA Level 1 Athletic Coaching License (or eligibility to obtain), including NFHS "Fundamentals of Coaching," "First Aid, Health, and Safety for Coaches," annual "Concussion in Sports," and current CPR/AED certification. Knowledge of USTA rules and NMAA tennis bylaws required; complete background/fingerprinting for teacher licensure.
Skills: Excellent leadership and communication; ability to teach diverse skill levels in a culturally responsive manner. Proficiency with golf tech tools; physical fitness for demonstrations and extended outdoor sessions.
Preferred: Bilingual (Spanish/English); experience with adaptive programming; success in youth development or community outreach.