USA Cycling is excited to launch the 2026–2028 Coaches Working Group, a small, focused group of certified coaches who will help shape the future of our coach education programs and resources.
The Coaches Working Group exists to strengthen the connection between USA Cycling’s Coach Education team and the coaching community. It serves as a diverse, representative body of coaches who contribute their expertise, insight, and feedback to enhance education, recognition, and professional development across all disciplines and coaching levels.
Unlike a formal committee or board-appointed council, the Coaches Working Group is designed to be collaborative and action-driven. Members are appointed to two-year terms and serve as thought partners and ambassadors for USA Cycling’s coaching initiatives. The group does not report to the USA Cycling Board of Directors. Instead, it works directly with staff to move projects forward that support coaches and athletes on the ground.
“We created the Coaches Working Group because the best ideas for coach education do not come from a conference room," says Suzy Sanchez, Director of DEI & Membership Programs. "They come from coaches who are in the field every day, working with athletes, solving real problems, and seeing what the sport needs next. This group gives those coaches a direct line into our planning, so we can build programs and education with you and for you.”
Coaches Working Group Roles
Members of the Coaches Working Group will play a key role in refining and growing the USA Cycling Coach Education Program. Responsibilities include reviewing Coach of the Year nominations, helping select award recipients, and celebrating coaching excellence across the country. Members will also provide feedback on course materials, CEUs, and online resources to ensure they are clear, relevant, and aligned with best practices.
In addition, the group will help shape our Coaches Coffee Chats by suggesting topics, identifying and recruiting speakers, and supporting engagement in this recurring education offering. Members will contribute ideas for the coaches newsletter, help identify coaches to feature, and support timely, useful communication to the coaching community.
The Working Group will also test tools and projects from the Coach Education team, troubleshoot when needed, and represent the needs and perspectives of working coaches. From time to time, members may support one-time initiatives such as content pilots, data collection, or event-specific tasks.
Ideal Candidates
We are seeking approximately eight USA Cycling certified coaches who represent a mix of disciplines, including road, mountain bike, cyclocross, track, BMX racing, BMX freestyle, and gravel. Coaches may range from emerging coaches to experienced leaders, and should reflect a variety of regions and communities. We are also looking for coaches who work across different coaching contexts, including youth, collegiate, masters, para, elite, club based, and private coaching.
To be eligible, coaches must hold an active USA Cycling coaching certification (Level 3-1), remain SafeSport compliant, and meet background check requirements.
Experience in education, mentorship, or leadership is preferred but not required. Most importantly, we are looking for coaches who are engaged, solutions-focused, and willing to collaborate.
How to Get Involved
Appointments are made through an open nomination process. Coaches may nominate themselves or a peer. Selections will be based on engagement, experience, and commitment to USA Cycling’s mission, as well as the need to balance disciplines, regions, and backgrounds within the group.
If you are a coach who wants to have a voice in how USA Cycling supports and educates coaches, we invite you to apply for the 2026–2028 Coaches Working Group before the March 10 deadline.
