The coaching minor is open to all students who are interested in coaching at various levels. The focus is on coaching theory, skill development, strategies, organization and management of practices and games, and safety. The close interaction of faculty and students helps develop a rich base of knowledge and skills that are ethically applied in a variety of practical settings.

Students get hands-on experience coaching multiple sports and dealing with various coaching situations. Special emphasis is given to the differences between coaching team and individual sports. The program also addresses the psychology of sports and coaching, the psychological characteristics of both athletes and coaches, psychological and physical performance enhancement, and youth sports.

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Head Football Coach Ron Ernst during a game

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Faculty

Katie Astrauskas

Astrauskas, Catherine "Katie"

Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Athletic Administrator, Head Coach of Volleyball

Brian Azinger

Azinger, Brian

Head Athletic Trainer

Alexander Bianco

Bianco, Alexander

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Coles, Rick

Professor of Exercise Science, Associate Head Coach of Football

Brittany Followay

Followay, Brittany

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers. Our collaboration with Student Support Services provides tutoring and additional academic and skill development, as well as tools to help with note-taking, exam preparation, goal-setting and time management. Likewise, Mentors in the Franzen Center provide in-depth, one-on-one or group mentoring for students about class projects and college-level writing, and can share problem-solving strategies to overcome academic obstacles.

Advising at Ripon

Requirements

Twenty-two total credits; including EXS 181, 245, 246, 281, 352, plus two of EXS 321, 322, 323, and at least four credits from CMM 215, CMM 220, MTH 120, PHL 241, PSC 224, PSC 242, REL 321, SOC 304, EXS 211, 286, 287, 321, 322, 323, 353, 381.

Career Tracks

Students of any major can use this experience to coach at any level after graduation.

Unique Opportunities

  • Through the Departments of Educational Studies and Exercise Science, certification in physical education, health, and adapted physical education are available in early adolescence/adolescence (grades 6-12).
  • Coaching internships and practicums have been completed by students at school districts, youth programs, the Ripon Department of Athletics and Department of Exercise Science, and Willmore Center.  
  • Valuable job experience can be acquired by working in the training room at Willmore Center at Ripon College or the Ripon Medical Center Rehabilitation Department.