Basketball Grad Assistants: Which Schools Offer These Roles?

which schools have basketball graduate assistants

Graduate assistants for basketball teams are usually graduates with coaching or playing experience. They are often employed by colleges and universities to assist head coaches with administrative tasks, such as developing practice and game plans, organizing team activities, and recruiting players. Some schools with basketball graduate assistants include Penn State University, the University of Central Oklahoma, Iowa Lakes Community College, Hiram College, Florida International University, and Messiah College, a private Christian university in Pennsylvania.

Characteristics Values
Number of Graduate Assistant Basketball jobs available on Indeed.com 95
Schools with Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach positions Hiram College, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan, Iowa Lakes Community College, Penn State University, University of Central Oklahoma, Messiah College
Requirements for the role Knowledge of the game of basketball, excellent people skills, strong organizational and planning skills, ability to work with individuals of varying educational, financial and cultural backgrounds, excellent verbal, listening, written, judgment and interpersonal skills
Duties Participating in all basketball-related team activities, organizing and conducting team shootouts, recruiting teams, developing the schedule of games, assisting the head coach with running summer basketball camps, managing social media accounts, assisting with technology, developing scouting reports, developing post-game reports, communicating areas of improvement to players, assisting with practice, game, and individual workout plans, attending recruiting events, building relationships with athletes and their parents, assisting with scheduling campus visits and completing application materials

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Graduate assistant basketball coach jobs

At the university level, graduate assistant basketball coach jobs are commonly found in the athletics departments of various colleges and universities. For example, Penn State University, the University of Central Oklahoma, Northwestern University, and Mercy University have all recently advertised graduate assistant basketball coach positions. These roles typically involve assisting the head coach with the organization, development, and leadership of the women's or men's basketball program. Graduate assistant coaches may also be involved in teaching and mentoring students, as well as contributing to the overall athletic department operations.

Some universities specifically offer graduate assistant positions for their basketball teams, such as Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, and Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. These roles often require experience in playing or coaching basketball and may have specific enrollment requirements, such as a certain number of credit hours. Additionally, some universities may waive the GRE requirement for graduate assistant positions, making it easier for candidates to apply.

Outside of the university setting, graduate assistant basketball coach jobs can also be found at elementary, middle, and high schools. For instance, One on One Basketball, Inc. seeks enthusiastic individuals to teach after-school basketball classes in several cities in California, including Palo Alto and Los Altos. These roles are suitable for those re-entering the workforce or filling gaps in their resumes. Similarly, the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, offers a part-time assistant women's basketball coach position, which involves assisting in practice planning and game plan organization.

Overall, graduate assistant basketball coach jobs provide a valuable stepping stone for those aspiring to become head coaches. These positions offer hands-on experience in coaching, mentorship, and program development. By starting as a graduate assistant, individuals can gain the skills and connections necessary to advance their coaching careers.

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Roles and responsibilities

A graduate assistant basketball coach works under a head coach to support a college-level basketball team. The role involves providing instruction to student-athletes by demonstrating techniques and helping to improve performance during practice and games. Graduate assistants are responsible for providing feedback on individual workouts and group practices, as well as assisting in recruiting new team members and retaining current players. They are also tasked with recording video footage, assessing plays, overseeing team travel, preparing for games, and identifying skills and weaknesses. Additionally, they promote good sportsmanship, health, and academic balance among the team members.

The role of a graduate assistant basketball coach can be a stepping stone to becoming a head coach. It provides valuable experience and offers an insight into the fast-paced life of a coach. However, it is important to note that breaking into Division 1 college basketball as a coach can be challenging due to the limited number of openings each year.

To become a graduate assistant basketball coach, individuals must possess a bachelor's degree and meet the requirements to enrol in a graduate program at the university or college where they wish to coach. Experience playing competitive basketball as an undergraduate is often preferred, and coaching, leadership, and planning skills are highly valued. Some positions may also require certification in CPR and First Aid training.

The application process for graduate assistant positions typically involves sending out numerous thoughtful letters to coaches expressing interest and highlighting relevant experience and goals. Networking and establishing connections with coaches are crucial, as most colleges have summer camps where individuals can gain experience and increase their chances of being noticed.

The role of a graduate assistant basketball coach demands a significant time commitment, often requiring around 80 hours of work per week during the season. It involves various tasks, including breaking down film, organizing travel and meals for the team, practising with players, and more. While the position may not offer much glamour, it can pave the way for a rewarding career in coaching.

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Qualifications and experience

Basketball graduate assistant positions are a great way to enter the coaching profession. Graduate assistants for Division 1 college basketball programs have many duties and work long hours, much like the coaches that they work for. It is a fast-paced job that can prepare someone for the life of a coach.

While some schools require it, others waive the GRE, so it is not always necessary. Experience in playing or coaching basketball is a must. Some schools require full-time enrollment, with 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.

Teaching experience with students, from high school to graduate level, is also a qualification some schools look for. Additionally, analytical skills and knowledge of advanced basketball statistics are important for interpreting basketball needs and translating them into data processes.

The biggest hurdle for aspiring basketball graduate assistants is often a lack of experience and connections at the college level. It is important to make connections with college coaches, reach out to coaches at nearby schools, and gain experience by observing practices and working at summer camps. Sending out thoughtful letters to coaches expressing interest and detailing relevant experience is a good way to get started.

Some entry-level coaching positions that can lead to graduate assistant roles include Video Coordinator and Director of Basketball Operations, typically for smaller programs. These jobs usually become available towards the end of March.

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Salary

As of March 27, 2025, the average annual pay for a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach in the United States is $42,221, which amounts to approximately $20.30 an hour. This can be calculated further to be roughly $811 per week or $3,518 per month. The salary range for this position varies, with the 25th percentile of salaries at $28,000 and the 75th percentile at $52,500. The top 10% of earners in this role make $62,500 or more per year.

The salary for a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach also differs based on location. For example, the average salary for this position in Barrow, AK, is $43,267, while in Berkeley, CA, it is $51,663, and in Redwood City, CA, it is $51,883. These cities offer salaries higher than the national average, and thus moving locations can be a good strategy for economic advancement.

The pay also depends on the specific job responsibilities and the institution. For example, Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, was hiring for a Men's Basketball/Housing Graduate Assistant position. Similarly, Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, was advertising for a Graduate Assistant Women's Basketball Coach role. Other colleges that have been hiring for similar positions include Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florida International University, and Purdue University Northwest.

The long hours and demanding nature of the job should also be considered when evaluating the salary for a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach position. Graduate assistants for Division 1 college basketball programs have many duties and work incredibly long hours, much like the coaches they assist.

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Locations

Graduate assistant roles in basketball are available across the United States, with a variety of locations advertising these positions. For example, there are graduate assistant roles in basketball in the following states:

  • Pennsylvania, at Messiah College, a private Christian university
  • Ohio, at Hiram College
  • Iowa, at Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Florida, at Florida International University
  • Texas, at Abilene Christian University
  • Indiana, at Purdue University Northwest
  • New Jersey, at Fairleigh Dickinson University

These roles are often based at colleges or universities, and they can provide a great opportunity to gain experience in coaching and sports management. The locations of these positions can vary, but they are typically based in states with a strong basketball culture and established college basketball programs.

In addition to the specific locations mentioned above, there are also opportunities for graduate assistant roles in basketball in other states, such as Oklahoma, as advertised by the University of Central Oklahoma. The location of these roles can depend on a variety of factors, including the demand for basketball coaches and the availability of graduate assistant positions at specific institutions.

It is worth noting that while there are graduate assistant roles in basketball across the country, the availability of positions can vary from state to state and between different institutions. Some states may have more opportunities than others, and it is always a good idea to keep an eye on job boards and the websites of specific colleges or universities that offer basketball programs to stay informed about the latest graduate assistant openings.

Frequently asked questions

A graduate assistant for a basketball team is an entry-level position that involves working incredibly long hours to assist the head coach with the organization, development, and leadership of the basketball program.

The requirements to become a graduate assistant for a basketball team include having experience playing or coaching basketball, excellent communication skills, and strong organizational and planning skills.

Some schools that have had basketball graduate assistant positions in the past include Penn State University, the University of Central Oklahoma, Iowa Lakes Community College, Hiram College, Florida International University, Abilene Christian University, Purdue University Northwest, and Messiah College.

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