This past month, we’ve been highlighting on social media some of the phenomenal coaches we have working with teens across America. Amazingly, there are over 6,000 licensed NICA coaches dedicating countless hours working with our student-athletes to not only make them physically stronger and more confident riders, but, most importantly, to also to help them develop character traits that will serve them throughout life. Coaches are more to our student-athletes than just someone who teaches them how to ride a bike and leads them on rides. Our coaches are mentors, community advocates, fundraisers, teachers and role-models for our student-athletes. They are physically at team practices and races growing the next generation of mountain bikers and their evenings and weekends can be filled with planning team events and organizing training plans, ensuring their riders have proper equipment and nutrition, preparing for race day and recruiting future riders. And all of this is done primarily on a volunteer basis!
As a former head coach of the Berkeley High School Mountain Bike Team back in the early years of the NorCal League, I know very well the challenges and rewards of working with student-athletes and other coaches. I also know that the culture that coaches help establish on their teams can positively influence those involved in many positive ways. To join the Berkeley Team this season and see a number of past team members now coaching and leading the team is confirmation that by emphasizing NICA’s core values, coaches have the power to create future leaders.
To all our coaches - THANK YOU! Without the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of coaches, NICA would not exist. What started in 1998 as one coach looking to share a passion with cycling with four students has grown to over 6,000 coaches sharing that passion with over 14,000 student-athletes. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!
Sincerely, Austin
