COACHING | Collegiate
Coaching collegiate programs is one of the most challenging yet rewarding pathways to engage with as a coach. Collegiate programs fall on a wide spectrum from well-funded programs offering scholarships and covering all expenses to student-led club sports programs that compete in plain jerseys.Just like other collegiate sports programs, a coaches role is very diverse, from planning rides and travel to recruiting athletes and helping them develop. As coaching expands in the USA Cycling ecosystem, collegiate cycling offers a unique way for coaches to help grow, recruit and fund a program that can ensure cycling remains a lifelong attribute of student-athlete’s lives. Very few sports in the US can make that a reality.
The following pathway is only conceptual, everyone’s pathway will be different. Many will find a pleasant balance at some point in their development and remain there, others may continue on to leadership roles or into the the high performance pathway
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Become a mentor
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Volunteer with your local junior and/or collegiate program
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Focus on SafeSport compliant communication with athletes and parents
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Obtain an introductory USA Cycling Coaching License
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Spend time getting to know your nearest higher education institution and help them see the benefits of starting a collegiate cycling program
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Continue to the next level of your USA Cycling Coaching Education Pathway
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Once you have a program to work with, focus on building comradery and community, recruiting based on your community and fundraising
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Become a Certified Skills Instructor
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Continue to the next level of your USA Cycling Coaching Education Pathway
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Compete at the conference level
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Get to know and learn from the other programs in your conference
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Incorporate athlete development once your program is sustainable
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Focus on qualifying for nationals
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Consistent slow progress from a good coach builds great programs!