Open to all majors, the Coaching Minor, offered by the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance, prepares students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills needed to become confident, ethical, and athlete-centered sport coaches in a variety of environments-from youth leagues to high school athletics and beyond.

Grounded in the National Standards for Sport Coaches (SHAPE America), the Coaching Minor emphasizes the development of the whole athlete through best practices in physical, psychological, and social growth. Students learn to:

• Develop and enact an athlete-centered coaching philosophy that focuses on growth, inclusion, and long-term development-not just winning.
• Use long-term athlete development models to enhance physical literacy and promote lifelong physical activity.
• Set goals and build a unified program vision through strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making.
• Understand and uphold rules, regulations, and ethical practices that govern sport programs while aligning with community and athlete needs.
• Manage resources responsibly, including scheduling, budgeting, facilities, and compliance.
• Build relationships with athletes, families, and stakeholders, using effective communication and collaboration strategies.
• Create emotionally and physically safe sport environments, following best practices in risk management and athlete welfare.
• Foster inclusive, positive team cultures that support all athletes and promote equitable participation.
• Plan, conduct, and assess practices and competition, using current coaching science and sport-specific knowledge.
• Commit to continuous professional growth through reflection, mentorship, evaluation, and care for self and others.

Whether you’re majoring in physical education, psychology, sport management, or any other discipline, the Coaching Minor offers flexible, high-impact preparation for future coaches who lead with vision, values, and a lifelong commitment to athlete development.

The Coaching Minor is open to all majors.

The minor consists of 18 credits, as defined below.