The percentage of female student-athletes in NICA has held steady since we started tracking…until now! Over the past year, we’ve increased the percentage of girls in NICA by just over 1%. That may not sound like much, but it’s a measurable increase and a sign that GRiT activities led by teams and leagues are adding up and making a difference.
We want your help in bringing more girls and women into mountain biking and NICA! You don’t need to wait for permission to get started. Early next year, we’ll release an online GRiT coach course, along with accompanying event templates and other materials. These resources will help you get started, build your recruitment plan, and organize GRiT activities to get #moregirlsonbikes.
If every NICA team takes one or two intentional actions each season to recruit and retain more girls, we’ll see an even greater percentage increase in female student-athletes over the next year. Thank you for joining us in this effort!

MORE ARTICLES FOR COACHES…
Cultivate a Climate of Mastery, Not Comparison, on Your Team
Is your bike team chasing podiums, or is it chasing progress? This month’s feature Trailhead article explores the benefits of […]
Game of the Month: Red Light, Green Light
Learn how to play Red Light, Green Light on bikes, a fun NICA team activity that helps student-athletes practice braking, […]
Game of the month: Between the Lines
Whether it’s through a tight section of singletrack or along a narrow log skinny, riding a consistent line is an […]
National Youth Athlete Survey findings you can use as a coach
In the fall of 2025, NICA student-athletes had the opportunity to participate with young people around the country in a […]

