Job Summary:
Mercy Sports Performance is looking for enthusiastic, driven students who are passionate about strength and conditioning and eager to gain real-world coaching experience. Our Sports Performance Internship is designed for individuals who want to develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed in the sports performance industry.
This 12–16 week unpaid internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced performance coaches in a collaborative, high-energy environment. Interns become an active part of our coaching staff while learning how to train athletes safely and effectively using evidence-based principles.
What You'll Experience:
Throughout the internship, you'll be immersed in every aspect of the performance coaching process. Your experience will include opportunities to:
• Observe and assist with daily training sessions for youth, high school, collegiate, professional, and adult athletes.
• Progressively take on coaching responsibilities under the guidance of experienced performance coaches.
• Learn how to coach movement with confidence through effective cueing, demonstration, and athlete communication.
• Gain experience implementing programs focused on speed, strength, power, mobility, conditioning, and injury resilience.
• Assist with athlete testing, data collection, and performance evaluations.
• Develop an understanding of program planning and long-term athletic development.
• Experience how performance coaches collaborate with sports medicine professionals to support athlete health and performance.
Professional Development:
Education is a cornerstone of the Mercy Sports Performance internship. Interns participate in ongoing learning opportunities designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the coaching floor.
Professional development includes:
• Weekly educational sessions
• Practical coaching workshops
• Exercise technique instruction
• Program design discussions
• Athlete case studies
• Leadership and communication development
• Feedback and mentorship from experienced coaches
•
By the end of the internship, interns will have a stronger understanding of both the science and art of coaching while building confidence leading athletes through training sessions.
Internship Requirements:
Ideal candidates are:
• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training, or a related field.
• Must be in a program accepting course credit in exchange for internship experience, as this is an unpaid internship.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certified (or willing to obtain certification before the internship begins).
• Passionate about athletic performance and helping others improve.
• Eager to learn, accept feedback, and grow as a coach.
• Professional, dependable, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
Internship Responsibilities:Selected interns should expect to:
• Arrive prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute to daily operations.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
• Complete assigned educational materials and participate in weekly discussions.
• Assist with facility upkeep and equipment organization.
• Represent Mercy Sports Performance with professionalism and integrity.
Internship Logistics:Interns are responsible for:
• Securing their own housing for the duration of the internship.
• Arranging transportation to and from the facility.
• Covering personal living expenses.
• Coordinating internship credit with their academic institution.
About Mercy Sports Performance
At Mercy Sports Performance, we believe athletic development is about more than getting stronger—it's about helping athletes reach their full potential through intentional coaching, education, and long-term development.
Our performance coaches work with athletes from a wide variety of sports and competitive levels, delivering individualized training programs that improve strength, speed, power, movement efficiency, and overall athleticism. Through collaboration with Mercy's sports medicine team, we take an integrated approach that supports both performance and injury prevention.
We are committed to creating an environment where athletes and coaches can continuously learn, improve, and pursue excellence. Our internship reflects that commitment by providing meaningful coaching experience, structured mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth that prepare future coaches for successful careers in strength and conditioning.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Mercy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, interns, and applicants. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
