The Sedona-Oak Creek School District is currently recruiting nine coaching staff.

As of June 6, SOCSD is seeking an assistant track and field coach, head tennis coach, head track and field coach, head varsity boys’ basketball coach, head varsity girls’ soccer coach, head varsity softball coach, head varsity volleyball coach, junior varsity volleyball coach and middle school girls’ basketball coach.

“We have some incredible kids; they’re really eager to play sports, to learn about a new sport,” SRRHS Athletic Director Peter Brock said. “From a potential coach’s perspective a lot of these kids are eager to learn. There might be some growing pains with some of the kids, as they’re learning that a sport is more difficult from the inside versus the outside. But I think a lot of our kids are coachable, and they’re here to improve. If we find the right coach we’re set for success.”

Varsity head coaches are generally compensated at rates varying from $3,528 to $4,189 for the year, and assistant, junior varsity and middle school coaches are paid $2,205.

Superintendent Tom Swaninger, Ph.D., said that the district may move to hire new coaching staff for currently filled positions but did not provide specifics.

“It’s either we either have not secured that [coaching] position, or we feel that we could potentially improve that position by opening up [it] for further interviews,” Swaninger said.

The time commitment for coaches was expected to be around 10 hours per week, not including game and travel time, with high school practices generally being held for two hours a day Monday through Friday, with Saturdays as an option, Brock said.

Middle school sports usually practice Monday through Thursday, but Friday practices can be important early in the season. Assistant coaches can anticipate the same time commitment.

“We have great facilities overall,” Brock said. “Other resources we have, I am a certified athletic trainer, so I’m here to help keep those kids out on the field. I’m here to not just oversee the athletics department, but also to provide immediate care and help treat these kids when they have injuries. That’s something that’s a bit undervalued, because if we can keep kids healthy, then the sky’s the limit getting these teams to perform at their best.”

“Moving forward, there will be weekly meetings with [Brock] with all the coaches, covering specific issues that the coaches may have been dealing with that week,” Swaninger said.

“Coaching is a way to give back to the community,” Swaninger said. “Many people in our community have unique and tremendous experiences and skill sets. Working with our youth is one of the most fulfilling experiences out there.”

“Coaching is unique in that short of my [parents], I have learned more about life and leadership from my coaches than anyone else,” Swaninger said. “Coaches not only grow your skill set in whatever sport that you’re participating in, but they grow [students] into better leaders and better human beings.”