Why minor in Coaching?

The Coaching Minor is for students who want to grow as leaders and mentors in fields such as nutrition, education, fitness and administration. This interdisciplinary program blends classroom learning with practical experience to build skills in communication, goal setting and performance analysis. Whether you plan to coach athletes, guide peers or lead teams, the Coaching Minor gives you the foundation to inspire and support others.

Basketball coach in an orange shirt kneeling and speaking to players in black uniforms with bear logos, gathered in a huddle on the court.

Program Distinctives

Unlock your potential as a leader and mentor through UPIKE’s Coaching Minor. This interdisciplinary program draws from health and human performance, communication and contemporary coaching practices to prepare you for one of today’s most rewarding fields. Courses focus on the latest research, strategies and tools shaping the future of coaching. Whether your interests are in athletics, wellness, education or community development, the Coaching Minor equips you with practical experience and transferable skills.

  • Hands-on learning: Work directly with athletes, teams and community organizations while applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Find your coaching path: Explore options in strength and conditioning, youth mentorship, performance analytics and team dynamics.
  • Career-ready skills: Strengthen abilities in leadership, communication and decision-making that prepare you for graduate study or entry-level roles in sports, health, fitness and education.
Start your coaching journey at UPIKE and gain the confidence to lead others to success.

Student taking notes at his desk.

Interesting Courses

HHP 310 Sports Nutrition
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles of nutrition as they pertain to athletic performance and physical health. Students will learn about the role of macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and supplements in sports, as well as strategies for optimizing performance and recovery through diet.
Prerequisites: HEA 261.

HHP 370 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of strength and conditioning. Topics include exercise physiology, biomechanics, resistance training, aerobic conditioning, and the development of sport-specific training programs. Students will learn how to assess physical performance, develop periodized training plans, and incorporate recovery strategies to optimize athletic performance. Practical experiences will reinforce theoretical knowledge, allowing students to apply strength and conditioning techniques.
Prerequisite: HHP 315.

HHP 420 Organization and Administration
This course focuses on the principles and methods of planning, designing, budgeting, managing, and optimizing sports facilities and equipment. This course provides a hands-on experience equipping students with the skills needed to effectively develop and oversee fitness, athletic and exercise facilities in a variety of settings. Ideal for those pursuing careers in coaching, personal training, sports performance, and health promotion.
Prerequisites: HHP 115 and Junior standing.

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Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate Foundational Coaching Knowledge Students will articulate key coaching theories, models, and strategies relevant to various coaching contexts (e.g., athletic, academic, personal development).

Apply Effective Communication Techniques Students will demonstrate the ability to use active listening, constructive feedback, and motivational communication in one-on-one and group coaching scenarios.

Exhibit Ethical and Inclusive Coaching Practices Students will identify and apply ethical principles and culturally responsive strategies to ensure respectful and inclusive coaching environments.

Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills Students will model leadership behaviors and mentor others through structured coaching relationships, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.

Integrate Research and Evidence-Based Practices Students will evaluate and apply current research to inform their coaching strategies and decision-making processes.

Career paths in Coaching

A Coaching Minor can complement majors like health and human performance, psychology, education, communication, business, or social work, and help students build a flexible, people-centered career. Career paths may include:

Coaching in Athletics
Youth and Recreational Teams
Interscholastic
Intercollegiate
Strength and Conditioning
Sports Performance

Health and Wellness Coaching
Academic and Career Coaching
Life and Executive Coaching
Mental Performance Coach
Entrepreneurial Coach

Contact

Lindsay Elliot

Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance
(606) 218-5359
lindsayelliott@upike.edu