Interviews with NICA Student-Athletes and pieces written by student-athletes
A butterfly flaps its wings across the globe. A pebble splashes into the center of a pond…or, a NICA coach sees an opportunity to improve their community, and in doing so inspires countless volunteers, advocates, and leaders to invest in the power of mountain biking.
Youth sports and physical wellness are clearly connected. But what about mental health? The topic of mental wellness in youth sports is often overlooked, and when it does come up, it can be tough to talk about. Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League student-athlete Finley Scott spent her senior year in 2023 trying to change that narrative…and what started as Finley’s incredible passion project has now evolved into a full-blown, athlete-led initiative that raises awareness and tackles mental health stigma head-on.
7th grader Broden Ala has always loved mountain biking. He waited years to be old enough to participate in NICA events, training hard in preparation for his moment to line up in the start chute. All that practice paid off: last year, during his first season, he crossed the finish line as the Arizona state champion.
Eight NICA teams dot the region. An unprecedented four have accessible, well-maintained, on-campus trails. Two of these are public high schools without tuition dollars to support the infrastructure necessary for building mountain bike trails. So how did Charlottesville become the gold standard for school-based trail systems?
Cash Taylor’s journey into the world of mountain biking began with an unforgettable invitation to an Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League race, thanks to the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Valley Adaptive Sports. Born with Spina Bifida, Cash’s life revolves around sports, each one embraced with a unique zest despite the challenges posed by his paralysis.
Phinneus McKenna has been a shining light of positivity on the North Tahoe Mountain Bike Team. Despite his limitations, he has found friendship, fun, and connection through the sport of mountain biking.
Phinneus McKenna has been a shining light of positivity on the North Tahoe Mountain Bike Team. Despite his limitations, he has found friendship, fun, and connection through the sport of mountain biking.
NICA teams are spread across the country, forming even in urban areas not well known for their access to trails. Urban teams face different challenges than those with ready access to trail systems, but the students who live there deserve the same opportunity to get outside and experience the joys of cycling. For Coach Marc and Coach Carolyn, launching the UrbanPromise Wilmington Trailblazers team was a way to welcome inner-city students into the outdoors, teach them valuable life skills, and provide a safe space for learning and development.
Picking the perfect holiday gift for your coaches, student-athletes, family, and friends is tricky. But, you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled our favorite finds from our trusted NICA partners so that you can find something for every cyclist on your list.
Student-athletes pick up the bike for many different reasons. They want to challenge themselves, to be a part of their community, or to connect with their families. No matter why they join, with no bench, and no tryouts, every NICA athlete gets to ride.