Josh Gormley, Head Coach, Verona High School/Westside Composite Mountain Bike Teams

“I have been part of the team since 2017 as a parent spectator/volunteer, and coaching since 2018.  There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others grow and develop skills that empower them to overcome obstacles both now and in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great community.”  

Favorite trail: Eh Line, Marquette, MI

Luke St. Clair, Assistant Coach, Verona High School Mountain Bike Team

“I’ve loved helping kids progress from being completely new to MTB into confident, enthusiastic riders over the last few years. I especially love the racing / training side of MTB – our festival weekends are a blast, and I learn a ton from the kids every year!”

Favorite trail: Sandy Climb, Quarry Ridge

Anne Hoeft, Team Director, Verona High School Mountain Bike Team

“Before 3 years ago I had only ridden trails a handful of times. When my son joined the team in 2022 I was hooked as I started learning more about the team, NICA and MTB culture. What a GREAT group of people! 2024 was my first year as a level 1 coach with my daughter’s pod. I’m excited to take on a larger role for the team as the Verona Team Director. I can’t wait to help others find their love of riding dirt!”

Favorite trail: Earn It to Send It at Winman Trails

Brendan Scherb, Team Director, Vel Phillips Memorial High School Mountain Bike Team

“Never had a chance to do much mountain biking as a kid but have loved the opportunity to learn and grow in to the sport along with my son. Once my son was old enough join the team in 2024, I was excited to sign on as coach and had an AMAZING time with the kids in our pod! Excited to be taking on the role as the Madison Memorial Team Director this year as well as being a Level 2 Coach. Can’t wait to grow our team and help others have fun and grow their skills along the way!”

Pod Leaders and Volunteer Coaches

Dedicated volunteer coaches, trained and certified through NICA, lead our teams. Our head coaches and pod leaders have many years of experience riding and/or racing and have Level 2 or 3 certifications. They are supported by Level 1 coaches, who are often interested parents who may have very little mountain biking experience.  

We are always looking for help with coaching! If you are a parent of a rider on the team or simply an adult who loves to ride on dirt and wants to help get more kids on bikes, please drop us a line. None of our coaches are professional mountain bikers (in case you were wondering). We will give you the training you need to help out.

Learn more about NICA coaching certifications here. Coaches at each level are also eligible to receive special coach discounts. Learn more about coach benefits here.

Level 1

If you’d like to ride with the team, you must attain this basic certification (mountain bike skills not required). Level 1 coaches go through background checks, as well as training on safety and concussion awareness. Level 1 coaches assist as directed by the head coach and generally participate in practices, gaining skills alongside student athletes. 

Level 2

Level 2 coaches satisfy all of the Level 1 requirements but also add CPR, on the bike skills courses, and a minimum of 20 hours riding with the team, gaining valuable experience. Level 2 coaches assist level 3 coaches with advanced tasks, such as leading rides.

Level 3

Level 3 coaches satisfy all of the Level 1 and 2 requirements and have further training and wilderness first aid. Level 3 coaches take on leadership roles within the team and have equivalent competencies to the head coach.