Mentor Program
Build connections. Share experience. Grow together.
The ASCA Mentor Program is a member benefit that connects coaches of all experience levels in small mentoring groups designed to support every career stage.
98% of participants recommend the program!
How the Program Works
Participants are placed into mentoring groups of three to six coaches, representing Gold, Silver and Bronze experience levels. Application information helps ASCA create groups with complementary backgrounds and goals.
Gold
15+ years
Experienced coaches who lead the group, facilitate thoughtful conversation and share experience-based guidance.
Silver
7–14 years
Mid-career coaches who help organize meetings, initiate discussions and connect developing coaches with others.
Bronze
0–6 years
Developing coaches who bring their questions and perspectives, make new connections and document group learning.
Get matched.
ASCA uses application information and experience levels to form each small mentoring group.
Meet monthly.
After orientation and lead-coach training, cohorts use a guided framework to prompt discussion, learning and engagement.
Grow together.
Throughout the nine-month program, ASCA hosts virtual meetings to strengthen leadership skills and mentor/mentee relationships.
The program is adapted from the WeCOACH and College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) models and expanded to include club, high school, Masters and summer league coaches.
2026–2027 Program Activities
The program runs from October through June. Unless otherwise noted, scheduled calls begin at noon Eastern Time.
- January 20, 2027
Leadership & Program Meeting
Noon EST - April 17, 2027
Leadership & Program Meeting
Noon EDT - June 16, 2027
Closing Call
Noon EDT
Additional meetings: Each group may determine how often it meets, with a minimum requirement of one meeting per month.
Responsibilities and Commitments
The ASCA Mentor Program requires active participation in your own development and in supporting the other coaches in your group. Your group is counting on you to make this a priority. Results mirror effort—plan to engage consistently throughout the nine-month program.
- Attend at least 80% of cohort meetings and ASCA-hosted sessions.
- Remain available and respond to group communications within 24–48 hours.
- Commit fully to the nine-month 2026–2027 program.
- If designated as a Gold/Lead coach, attend the orientation and training session at the start of the program.
Mentor and Mentee Eligibility
All participants must be current ASCA members or become members before participating.
Due to challenges with scheduling and time zone considerations, international applicants outside of the continental U.S. time zones (Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern time zones) will not be accepted.
Gold / Lead Coach
15+ years of coaching experience
- Head coach experience is preferred.
- Lead the group and ensure at least one meeting is scheduled and organized each month.
- Introduce Bronze and Silver members to at least two additional coaches for learning opportunities.
- Share experience-based guidance by facilitating conversation and asking questions rather than prescribing one approach.
- Communicate group changes, requests or issues to ASCA staff.
Silver Coach
7–14 years of coaching experience
- Attend at least 80% of group and ASCA-led meetings, notifying the lead coach when unable to attend.
- Help arrange monthly virtual meetings.
- Volunteer to initiate discussions using monthly prompts.
- Connect the Bronze member with at least one additional coach.
Bronze Coach
0–6 years of coaching experience
- Submit a brief summary after each group meeting.
- Connect with coaches recommended by Gold and Silver members.
- Share perspectives, challenges and successes to inform group discussion.
Ready to participate?
The 2026-2027 class is currently in session.
Check back in July 2027 to apply for the 2027-2028 class.