BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — The National Interscholastic Cycling Association has added new development and partnership staff as the organization's growth continues.
Austin McInerny, NICA's president, said, "NICA's rapid growth across America is creating an unprecedented explosion in youth cycling. We continue to have significant growth of over 40 percent year after year. Currently, in 18 states serving nearly 12,000 student-athletes and 4,500 licensed coaches, NICA has made incredible strides towards our goal of providing all teens across America the opportunity to grow strong body, mind, and character through participation in school-based cycling clubs."
NICA has hired Kristine Urrutia as its vice president of development and partnerships. Urrutia has nearly 20 years of experience in global, community and foundation development. She has held executive positions at Teachers2Teachers-Global, MiracleFeet, Charley Girl Designs and the University of Wisconsin School Of Business.
In addition to her new role at NICA National, she is involved with NICA as a parent and as a member of the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League volunteer management team.
Urrutia said, "I have personally experienced the power of the NICA effect from seeing the pride of the first time student-athlete participant, to the sportsmanship of the competitive racer, to the powerful impact NICA has on families and communities. To be a part of this growing effort is a particular honor for me because it encompasses so much that I care about including youth development for all student-athletes, supporting healthy outdoor lifestyles, fostering an appreciation for the environment and building strong supportive communities. It doesn't get much better than raising funds to get more kids on bikes."
Nic Sims is also joining NICA, as development manager. Sims is a bike industry veteran who spent 23 years at Specialized and later joined Alpinestars and Scott Sports.
Sims said, "I have had the distinct pleasure of turning hobbies into jobs. I have worked with some great companies that I can say have all made a difference in their sports and now with NICA the trend continues. I was involved with NICA's Utah League while working with Scott and seeing first hand how NICA affects the lives of kids and gets them outside enjoying the sport of cycling is amazing. I now have the chance to use my connections to help take NICA to the next level. NICA is an organization that our industry needs to support and I'm excited to help get the industry involved, however they can."
