How do I get a graduate assistant position?

sober senior wrote:

we are a pretty good D2 program

Oxymoron

don't listen to the 2nd poster. obviously he has an insecurity complex.

i'd suggest writing a personal letter or a personal email--make it look like you're very interested in their school. be open and honest. thats be best advice i can give.

outlaw wrote:

thats be best advice i can give.

Don't listen to this guy. he's obviously a pirate.

There are many ways to go about what you want to do, but there are only a few ways to maximize your efforts. First, list out which schools you really want to attend for grad. school. Contact the coaches at those schools and inquire if they have a GA spot. If they don't have a GA spot available, ask if they are willing to take any volunteer coaches on board. Most teams have at least one or two volunteer coaches each year. While being a volunteer assistant wont pay for school, you will still get a lot of experience and make some great connections.

Also, don't be afraid to use your coaches contacts. That is sometimes the only way for you to get a position anywhere. Unless you are an all-American runner, it is all about who you know...just like most things in life.

Check out two websites on a consistent basis as well:

NCAA Jobs -

http://ncaa.thetask.com/market/jobs/browse.php

USTFCCCA -

http://ustfccca.cstv.com/ot/ustca-jobs.html

However, don't rely too much on those job postings. While posting for GA and assistant spots come about in late spring, the search begins way before that.

Last bit of advice...if you want to coach DI you will probably have to start out being a volunteer assistant. Start out at whatever level you want to coach long term. If you want to stay in DII then coach at DII. So, contact coaches on your own, have your coach contact coaches, and try to set something up by winter break. That's how the game is played.

Thanks. That helped a lot. That is pretty much what I planned on doing, but I needed someone to tell me that it was right. Also, is there anything I need to worry about in terms of compliance when it comes to contacting coaches about this sort of stuff? Do I need to get a release from my coach? Thanks Again

I am currently a GA right now. I dont know how it is at your school but there is no formal procedure here. You have to physically go to where ever there is an opening and talk to the person.

My advice: Walk around, make friend with someone in every department and work it that way. People have alot of pull if they like you. Work your angles and get in.

GA's for the most part dont do much. They just sort of help people out here and there. So work the angles and hope for the best.

Older women are especially easy if you're a guy because you can charm them.

Best of luck.