COACHING | High Performance
Many coaches will examine the option of pursuing High Performance coaching during their career. WHile some coaches will start off pursuing this, many will find a crossroads with this option at some point in their careers. Simply put, the high performance pathway is a never ending quest for improvement and perfection. This leads it being a pathway that tends to be highly competitive as most coaches are pursuing being relevant and useful on the world stage. Luckily, this pathway also tends to have many ways to engage with athletes at the national and international level. It can range from leading national level development camps to taking teams of athletes to the top events in the world, including the Olympic games. The roles involved often require vast experience in a discipline, the ability to lead, budget and execute complex international situations.
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 decide to pursue other pathways.
Become a mentor
Volunteer with your local club or team program, or start your own
Obtain an introductory USA Cycling Coaching License
Gain experience with your local club or team program
Become a Certified Skills Instructor
Volunteer or pursue positions with regionally competitive teams or programs
Continue to the next level of your USA Cycling Coaching Education Pathway
Pursue the experience and positions to begin working with national level programs and teams
Continue to the next level of your USA Cycling Coaching Education Pathway
Pursue the experience and positions to begin working with international level programs and teams
Formulate relationships with USA Cycling and other programs who focus on international programs
Constantly refine your focus on pursuit of excellence