Name: Jill Bradley
Pronouns: She/her
League: Idaho
Team: Eagle High
Roles: Level 3 coach, Idaho GRiT Coordinator, and Idaho league communications lead
Number of years as a coach: 7 years 
Number of years riding: 30 years

Why did you become a NICA coach? 

I became a NICA coach so I could share my knowledge and give back to the mountain bike community. As a long-time rider and racer, mountain bikes have given me so much. They have given me fitness, resilience, independence, and mental toughness. They have also given me life-long friendships and my career (I started working in the bike industry in 2001). I truly believe I’d be a very different person had I not started riding bikes in the mid-90’s!

What’s the best part about coaching with NICA?

2024 marks my seventh year as a NICA coach. I keep coming back because I believe in NICA’s mission and I enjoy “sharing the stoke” of mountain biking.  I love to see how fast all the kids improve and become amazing humans, both on and off the bike.  I’ve seen shy, timid kids who have never ridden a bike in the dirt turn into absolute shredders on a mountain bike.  Coaches get just as much out of the NICA experience as the student-athletes do!

What’s your favorite NICA game?

Face the cookie!

What’s your favorite NICA moment?

My favorite NICA moment was leading our first-ever GRiT bikepacking trip last summer!  Nine girls and six female coaches rode about 65 miles total on our 3-day trip through some of Idaho’s most spectacular  backcountry.  Most of these girls and coaches didn’t have any bikepacking experience at all; and for several, it was the hardest ride they’ve ever done.  It was so amazing to see the girls and coaches take on something big, push through the pain, and finish the trip with a smile.  Can’t wait to do it again this year!

What’s your best coaching pro-tip?

As a coach, it’s important to remember that there’s more to NICA than racing. Over the years, I’ve found that kids join their respective mountain bike teams for a variety of reasons. Some are competitive and love the racing aspect.  Some ride because their parents made them join a school sport. Some ride for strictly social reasons. Some ride for better fitness or to improve their bike handling skills. I really try to get to know the student-athletes I coach to  find out what  their “why” is. This way, I am able to tailor practices to meet the needs of the individual student-athletes in my group. 

What’s one piece of advice that you have for NICA student-athletes?

Be kind to yourself. It’s really easy to start beating yourself up for not being able to keep up with some of the faster kids or being fearful of a technical section of trail. Avoid comparing yourself to others and be aware of the negative self talk that often results from making these comparisons. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you’d treat your friends with.

Over the years, I’ve found that kids join their respective mountain bike teams for a variety of reasons. Some are competitive and love the racing aspect.  Some ride because their parents made them join a school sport. Some ride for strictly social reasons. Some ride for better fitness or to improve their bike handling skills. I really try to get to know the student-athletes I coach to  find out what  their “why” is.

Thanks to Jill for sharing her story as our MEET THE COACH feature!

If you’re an Idaho coach and you see Jill around, be sure to say “hi” and connect.

Throughout the year, we’ll interview an outstanding coach from our NICA community. Know someone who should be highlighted? Share with us!