Position Overview: The Graduate Assistant for the Mercer Beach Volleyball program supports the coaching staff in all aspects of team operations. This position is designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in collegiate athletics, with responsibilities spanning administrative coordination, practice and competition support, and daily program operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Travel Coordination:

Create and manage detailed team travel itineraries, including transportation, lodging, meals, and competition schedules. Ensure all travel arrangements comply with institutional and NCAA regulations.

Practice Planning & Execution:

Assist coaching staff in organizing and executing daily practices, including setting up drills, managing equipment, and supporting athlete development.

Coaching – Practices and Competition:

Provide coaching and feedback at all practices and competitions, alongside head and assistant beach volleyball coaches.

Game & Event Support:

Aid in match-day operations such as facility setup, opponent coordination, and team logistics.

Administrative Duties:

Maintain accurate records, assist with compliance documentation, and support recruiting coordination as needed.

Equipment Management:

Oversee inventory, setup, and maintenance of volleyball equipment and training gear.

Student-Athlete Support:

Promote a positive student-athlete experience by assisting with team needs, communication, and overall program culture.

Other Duties as Assigned:

Contribute to additional program initiatives and sport-related tasks as directed by the coaching staff.

Work Environment:

This position requires a high-energy, team-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced athletic environment and is committed to supporting student-athlete success both on and off the court.

1: Weekly Goals

Each week, players set their own specific, measurable practice and game goals. They reviewed their goals with the team. Teammates and coaches would challenge them and their goals. Players learned that goal setting was about accountability, execution, and commitment.

2: Player-Led Accountability

Players were expected to coach and hold each other accountable. Starters watched and coached backups during practice. Players gave each other technical feedback before coaches could. This created leadership throughout and a brotherhood of serving

3: Adaptability and Ownership

Instead of always giving players the answer, Ladouceur empowered them to figure it out on their own.

Players broke down film, identified defensive tendencies, and even suggested game plans. They turned into problem solvers, not just executors.

4: Consistent Feedback

Every drill included immediate, specific feedback to players on what they did well and what they needed to improve. It means being specific and not just saying, “That wasn’t good enough.” This makes it easier to build trust, improve, and reinforce high standards.

5: Teaching is the Foundation

Teaching is the foundation of coaching. If a coach can’t teach a player how to improve, they lose credibility with the player. Players will only respect a coach who is knowledgeable, passionate, and purposeful about how they interact and coach the team.

6: Power of Preparation

It means prepare with intention and effort, both mentally and physically. Ladouceuer credited De La Salle’s strength and offseason program as the key to sustained dominance. The teams that are strongest and best conditioned win in the fourth quarter.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; acceptance into a graduate program at the institution preferred 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities 

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel 

• Previous beach volleyball playing and/or coaching experience preferred 

• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is a plus 

 

HOW TO APPLY
Submit cover letter, resume and references to:

Josh Marsh, Head Coach
Mercer Beach Volleyball
marsh_tj@mercer.edu

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