Mountain biking has a way of making room for everyone. On a team, student-athletes learn quickly that everyone has something to bring, and that the best rides happen when people feel supported enough to try, struggle, giggle, and grow together.

As coaches, we help protect that space. One meaningful way to do that is by making sure our teams feel genuinely welcoming to LGBTQ+ student-athletes. Research from The Trevor Project found that LGBTQ youth who reported having at least one accepting adult in their life were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. That is a powerful reminder that small acts of respect and acceptance are not small to the student-athlete receiving them, and that as coaches we could be that adult to a student-athlete on our team.

Source: The Trevor Project, “Accepting Adults Reduce Suicide Attempts Among LGBTQ Youth”

This is not a separate task from the team culture work coaches already do. It is part of building the same supportive environment we want for every young person in NICA. Small habits, clear expectations, and simple moments of respect can make a lasting difference.

Start with respect and curiosity

Many LGBTQ youth remember the relief of having one adult who sees them, trusts them, and treats them with respect. Coaches are in a powerful position to be that adult. You do not need perfect language or every term memorized. What matters most is a posture of openness, kindness, and respect for all student-athletes.

When a student-athlete shares their name or pronouns, use them. If you make a mistake, correct yourself briefly, apologize, and move on. Long apologies can put the student-athlete in the position of comforting the adult. A simple “Sorry, she” or “Thanks for the reminder, Alex” is enough. Then keep practicing. If a student-athlete is using a new name or pronouns, it may take a little time for the adults around them to adjust. That is normal, but it is also our responsibility to make the effort. Practice in the car on the way to practice, at home, or with another coach so the student-athlete is not carrying the weight of repeated mistakes.

Watch the everyday language

Team culture is built in the small moments. Pay attention to the jokes, nicknames, side comments, and casual language that happen during warmups, snack breaks, and parking lot time. If a student-athlete uses a slur, makes a joke about someone or something being “gay,” or questions another rider’s identity in a disrespectful way, address it calmly and clearly.

You do not need a big speech. Try, “That joke is not okay on this team,” “We don’t use that word here,” or “Everyone gets treated with respect here.” Then redirect and follow up if needed. Silence is permission, and what we permit we promote.

Make belonging visible

Student-athletes notice what adults make normal. Coaches can create belonging through small choices: use “riders” instead of calling on groups by gender. Avoid assumptions about dating, family structure, or gender expression. Make space for all riders to choose riding partners, warmup groups, or skills groups based on ability, comfort, and goals. Celebrate effort, leadership, kindness, and courage in ways that are not tied to gender stereotypes.

These choices help more than LGBTQ student-athletes. They also support riders who are shy, new to the sport, neurodivergent, questioning where they fit, or simply unsure of themselves.

When something goes wrong

Even on the best intentioned teams, mistakes happen. A coach may use the wrong pronoun. A rider may say something hurtful. A teammate may ask an invasive question. What matters is how the adults respond – Pause the behavior. Name the expectation, and when it helps, reference the Great Teammate Pledge that teams should complete with their student-athletes early in the season. It gives coaches and student-athletes shared language to return to when someone’s words or actions do not match the team culture you are building. Repair the harm when appropriate. Follow up with the student-athlete who was affected.

A quick private check-in can mean a lot: “I heard what happened earlier. I’m sorry that was said. I want you to know you belong here, and I’m going to follow up.” Belonging is not only created by preventing harm. It is also created by showing student-athletes that when something does happen, the adults will respond.

You do not have to be perfect

Welcoming LGBTQ youth does not require coaches to be experts. It asks us to be steady, respectful, and willing to learn. Most of the work is already familiar to NICA coaches: know your riders, build trust, set expectations, interrupt harm, and create a team where student-athletes can take healthy risks and grow.
The trail may be where we ride, but the team is where many young people learn what belonging feels like. Coaches help make that possible every season, one practice, one conversation, and one student-athlete at a time.

Make belonging visible

Student-athletes notice what adults make normal. Coaches can create belonging through small choices: use “riders” instead of calling on groups by gender. Avoid assumptions about dating, family structure, or gender expression. Make space for all riders to choose riding partners, warmup groups, or skills groups based on ability, comfort, and goals. Celebrate effort, leadership, kindness, and courage in ways that are not tied to gender stereotypes.

These choices help more than LGBTQ student-athletes. They also support riders who are shy, new to the sport, neurodivergent, questioning where they fit, or simply unsure of themselves.

This content was authored by NICA’s coach education team. NICA’s comprehensive coach education program provides new and existing coaches with the high-quality training and resources they need to be confident, competent, and empowered leaders on their youth mountain bike teams. NICA coaches not only create amazing experiences for student-athletes, they create a foundation for building healthy mountain bike communities. NICA coaches change lives! 

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