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