COACHES

Our experienced coaches are skilled riders, with background checks, risk management training, and skills certification. The CAHS mountain bike team is led by a head coach, Carrie Hammond, and a team director, Brian Mendenhall (see bios below). The SoCal League trains and licenses coaches to lead high school teams. Many of our coaches are parents of riders, while others are passionate volunteers who recognize the positive impact of mountain biking on kids. Typically, we assign 2 coaches to 8 student-athletes, with one coach having first aid/CPR training. If you're interested in getting involved, please contact us or visit the SoCal Coaching Center.

Volunteer TEAM COACHES/Parents

We value our coaches and CAN NOT hold practices without adequate adult supervision! If you have at least 1-2 years of riding experience and would like to help us, we would love it! (see below for coaching requirements) You CAN be a beginning rider to volunteer. To hold our practices we must meet an 8/2 ratio of youth/adult. You can attend when it fits with your schedule; no time requirements. You do not need to be a parent of a rider to help us. See below for the two coaching levels. Scholarships available for classes if needed.

• Level One - "Assistant Coach": Rides with a group but does not lead. An extra set of eyes and encouragement. Often rides as a sweep rider at the back of the small group. Meets minimum level to ride with student-athletes. Approximately two-hour training online. Cost: $38 for background check (subsequent years only $11).

• Level Two - "Coach": More advanced certifications and classes including risk management, first aid/CPR (every two years/$100), on-the-bike skills classes, continuing ed, annual requirements, etc. Leads a small group of riders at practice (Carrie provides framework and support for every ride) *WE REALLY could use more COACHES!

All coaches pass a background check, take risk management classes and hold a certificate in concussion prevention. Contact us for details on how to get certified! Perks of being a coach include league discounts on bike-related items and memberships, thank you gift and recognition, free Eliel performance T-shirt, 25% off certain TREK bikes, Kenda Tire discount, misc league discounts, major kudos, and deep gratitude from lead coaches and student-athletes!