Darchelle Welch
25073 W. 148th Terr. Olathe,KS
Summary
Dynamic leader with 23 years of experience in building championship track and field and cross country programs across NCAA Division I, including five years as an athlete on the KSU team, two years as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Kansas State University, and five years as the Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach in NAIA. Proven track record in recruiting high-caliber student-athletes, developing conference and national champions, and fostering a winning team culture. Recently achieved a significant milestone by leading a program to its first-ever conference championship while coaching 12 NAIA All-Americans across distance, middle-distance, and relay events in a single season. Possesses deep knowledge of NCAA compliance and extensive officiating experience since 2002 at major meets such as Big 12, Kansas Relays, Texas Relays, Junior Olympics, and Olympic Trials.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS
08.2024 - Current
- Led program to the 2023 KCAC Conference Championships, first in program history
- Led training programs for middle distance, distance, and relay athletes to enhance performance, alongside coaching pole vault techniques.
- Developed training programs for 19 NAIA All-Americans, focusing on distance, middle-distance, and relay events.
- Established mentorship programs pairing experienced athletes with newcomers, promoting skill development and team unity.
- Oversaw recruitment processes and roster management for cross country and track & field programs.
- Created targeted injury prevention training programs for event-specific, focusing on injury prevention and performance enhancement.
- Collaborated with sports psychologists to implement mental resilience training for athletes, enhancing competitive focus.
Assistant Cross Country & Track & Field Coach
Baker University
Baldwin, KS
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Executed comprehensive recruiting strategies to identify and secure high-caliber athletes, elevating talent levels for men's and women's teams.
- Developed comprehensive strength and conditioning programs, reducing injury rates and enhancing performance metrics.
- Facilitated partnerships among athletic trainers, strength coaches, and academic staff to promote well-rounded development for student-athletes.
- Engaged with head coaches to design and refine practice schedules, ensuring alignment with performance enhancement goals.
- Designed and implemented workshops focused on nutrition and mental health, fostering athlete wellness and maximizing training results during the season.
- Executed engaging team-building events that promoted camaraderie and significantly improved team morale and competitiveness.
- Facilitated travel arrangements and competition logistics, guaranteeing alignment with institutional policies and regulations.
- Engaged athletes in consistent feedback discussions to support individual development and address performance obstacles.
Head Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country Coach & Assistant Track Coach
Permian High School
Odessa, TX
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Led program to 3 consecutive 6A district championships in cross country.
- Organized successful fundraising events to support team travel expenses and equipment purchases.
- Coached multiple athletes to regional and state qualification in distance events
- Created individualized training plans based on athletes' unique strengths and areas for improvement.
- Integrated technology for video analysis of races, enhancing athletes' understanding of technique and strategy.
Head Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach & Assistant Track Coach
Bryan High School
Bryan, TX
08.2015 - 08.2019
- Designed and implemented training programs that led athlete to success at Texas 6A State Championship in 800m.
- Evaluated athlete performance and secured qualifications for multiple relay and distance events at Texas state meet.
- Developed and maintained relationships with educational institutions and community groups to strengthen program support.
- Implemented comprehensive nutrition plans, optimizing athlete performance during peak competition periods.
- Fostered a positive team culture by emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and goalsetting.
- Orchestrated volunteer recruitment and oversight for events to facilitate seamless team activities and competitions.
Education
Master of Science - Sports Management
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology, Nutrition, And Exercise Science
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-2002
Skills
- Team management
- Strength training
- Injury prevention
- Performance tracking
- Recruiting talent
- Fundraising
- Race strategy development
- Event organization
- Individualized training plans
- Mental conditioning
- Academic support
- Nutrition guidance
- Athlete assessment/analysis
- Running biomechanics
- Athlete development
- Facility management
- Travel coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Certification
- USATF Track & Field Official Level 3
- US Weightlifting Instructor
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- Emergency First Response Trauma Certification
- CDL
- KSHSAA and THSCA Coaching Certifications
Timeline
Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach
Ottawa University
08.2024 - Current
Assistant Cross Country & Track & Field Coach
Baker University
08.2022 - 08.2024
Head Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country Coach & Assistant Track Coach
Permian High School
08.2019 - 08.2022
Head Boys & Girls Cross Country Coach & Assistant Track Coach
Bryan High School
08.2015 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Sports Management
Baker University
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology, Nutrition, And Exercise Science
Kansas State University