Meet Mike Murphy (AKA – murph)
Mike is this month’s MEET THE COACH feature—and a passionate leader helping shape the future of NICA! After retiring from corporate life, Mike found his calling through mountain biking. Now serving as GoSo’s Director of Coaching and a Coach Supporter in NorCal, Mike shares how his journey through multiple leagues has been driven by the lasting impact this sport has on student-athletes—and the incredible community built along the way.
Our Meet the Coach features include interviews from outstanding coaches from our NICA community. Know someone who should be highlighted? Share with us!
Name
Mike Murphy (aka Murph)
Pronouns
He/Him
Leagues
Golden State South & NorCal
Team
San Luis Obispo Scoters
Roles
GoSo – Director of Coaching/NorCal – Coach Supporter
Former Coach, Head Coach & Team Director NCICL’s Pisgah Rage
Number of Years as a Coach
7 years
Number of Years Riding
30 years
Why did you become a NICA coach?
Immediately after retiring from corporate America, I received a phone call from a great friend, Adam Lewandowski (MICL) who motivated me to look into NICA. I was very fortunate to find a team in need of coaches in Asheville, NC (Pisgah Rage). I immediately found my calling with the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community leveraging the great sport of mountain biking. Two and a half years ago my wife and I moved to the Central Coast of CA. I was very fortunate to find a team willing to take on a new coach and joined the San Luis Obispo Scoters.
Like many coaches, I have story after story of how mountain biking has made a positive, lifelong impact on student-athletes and this is what keeps me coming back every season. On top of this, I’ve been given the opportunity to help launch our newest league in Southern CA. I have met some fantastic people, and have no doubt that the league is going to attract thousands of new student-athletes and coaches who will help make a difference in others’ lives.
What is your favorite NICA game?
Downhill Dual Slalom Race (you have to drag me out of this game)
What is your favorite NICA moment?
While out on a 4 hour adventure ride and stopping for a lunch break, I asked each student-athlete what they packed for lunch. One teammate was proud to let everyone know she made and brought a pancake peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That same student-athlete presented me with an amazing piece of art (at the end of the season) that she created (see photo). Her attached note thanked me for being her coach and let me know that she did not like biking before the season started but now that it’s ending she’s excited for next year.
Like many coaches, I have story after story of how mountain biking has made a positive, lifelong impact on student-athletes and this is what keeps me coming back every season.
What’s your best coaching pro-tip?
Take 30 minutes prior to practice and plan out your objective and the roles you want your level 1 coaches to assist you with. Level 1 coaches are invaluable to our future and want to learn and know how they can make an impact.
What’s one piece of advice that you have for NICA student-athletes?
Student-Athletes…PLEASE ask your coach to help you learn and get better at mountain bike skills. NEVER STOP LEARNING!!
Anything that you want to share that our questions didn’t cover?
Coaches – seek within the NICA community to find those individuals who can teach you one more positive technique. I’ve been very fortunate to meet many great individuals who helped me along the way (to name a few: Shawn Moore, Adam Lewandowski, Abby Walker, Mike McGarry, Diana Allen, Jessica Harmening & Sean Pantellere). NICA has gifted me with an amazing retirement journey; I get to learn from student-athletes and coaches all while riding my bike.
