Renee Griswold – League Director

As a long-time bike commuter in Milwaukee, I discovered mountain biking in 2018 when my oldest son joined our local NICA team. That start led to an incredible journey—first as a team volunteer and coach then, able to draw on my experience in nonprofit leadership and youth development, I stepped into the League Director role in 2022.

For me, it’s all about creating a welcoming space where student-athletes and coaches feel supported to try new things, grow their confidence, and discover their potential. Watching kids and adults light up as they overcome challenges, make connections, and thrive on two wheels and in life is what inspires me every day—it’s my NICA WHY.

Mike McGarry – Coach Education & Team Development Coordinator

In 2014, I was teaching at Madison West High School when an email came asking me if I wanted to start an MTB team. That year, I started the Madison West team with eight kids. Within a few years, that team grew to 4 teams and 200+ athletes. In 2017, I was asked to be a Coach Supporter for the WI league to lead On-the-Bike skills. In 2020, I began working for National National as a coach education manager and I am currently the Director of Coaching and Education.

Helping coaches be their best is what I love to do. Well trained confident coaches create great programs for kids and they change communities for the better. Thanks for being a part of this community!

Angela Brooks – Programs Manager & Race Director

I fell in love with mountain biking in the late ‘90s, teaching kids to group ride and discovering a shared passion with my husband. Together, we raised our three daughters using bikes for fun, transportation, and fitness. In 2016, I dove deeper into the MTB world, earning my first BICP certification and coaching with a local NICA team in 2017.

My passion for instruction grew, leading me to start Women on Wheels and Brooks Adventures, LLC, focusing on empowering women through biking. I became an instructor trainer for BICP, a NICA Coach Supporter, and a Coach Supporter Trainer.

NICA’s mission resonated with me, inspiring me to create the WI League’s Rover Program and serve as GRiT Coordinator. When the Program Manager role opened, I knew it was meant to be. I love building confidence in kids, parents, and coaches—it’s truly my dream job!

#MoreKidsOnBikes

Dave Watson – Adventure Coordinator

When my son Reid was a freshman in high school in 2017, we picked him up a mountain bike. He and a buddy got permission from the owner of some woods on a hill and started clearing biking paths with shovels and clippers. Around that time, he found NICA on Facebook and sent an email to one of the leads. She said come on down and check it out. We did and we were sold; Reid participated in NICA throughout the rest of high school.

I started coaching Reid’s second year for somewhat selfish reasons—to spend time with Reid and to get to ride at the races! The culture of the NICA community is so appealing. I appreciate the support that coaches, fans, and players give to kids of all athletic skill levels and abilities. The skills I’ve learned coaching at NICA have given Reid and I the ability to experience adventures in other parts of the country.

I’ve been part of NICA long enough to see little kids grow up and graduate.  You can’t go wrong with being part of more kids on bikes in a supportive atmosphere, whether growing racers or riders.

Steffanie Wallin – GRiT Coordinator

As a high school teacher, and former collegiate soccer player, I wanted to continue giving back to my community by volunteering as a youth coach. Even though soccer was my first love, biking became my passion after I graduated college. I decided to learn more about NICA and how I could volunteer as a coach. This led to me helping found the Root River Composite NICA team, and I quickly fell in love with the community and energy found in NICA.

My first Wisconsin League experience was a female-specific OTB 101 training that made me comprehend the importance of GRiT and its necessity to ensure female athletes and coaches felt they belonged. This realization caused me to advocate for getting More Girls on Bikes and continues now with my position as GRiT Coordinator.

I hope to inspire confidence, spur friendships, and ensure women always have a place in the world of mountain biking.

Mike Seiler – Teen Trail Corps Coordinator

I enjoy my role as the Teen Trail Corps Coordinator because it allows me to share my passion for trail stewardship and cycling advocacy. I love creating opportunities to engage directly with trail stewards, trail advocates, clubs, and WI League athletes and coaches across the state. Whether with a shovel, a pen, or my voice, I’m committed to growing the mountain bike community through trail stewardship.

As a Level 3 coach in my 12th year, I stay deeply involved in the NICA community. I’m also an active member of several trail clubs, spending many evenings and weekends working with local and state-wide organizations to foster support for shared and responsible trail use.

When I’m not on the trails, you’ll likely find me kayaking, camping, or enjoying anything outdoors—that’s my idea of “cross-training!”