League Leadership

Our Golden State South ICL Staff is a group of cycling and outdoor enthusiasts who believe in helping to positively shape future generations through bikes.

We strive to exemplify NICA’s mission, vision, and values while instilling these qualities in the coaches, volunteers, and student-athletes who participate in the League.

We work diligently to provide all students across Southern California with opportunities to participate in competitive and adventure bike activities, as well as trail stewardship.

Our hope is that Southern California’s youth will fall in love with cycling and the outdoors and carry this simple yet powerful tool, a bike, with them throughout their life.

Sofia Nist

Sofia Nist is a NICA alum who began racing in high school before transitioning to coaching for two different teams. She is a strong advocate for empowering girls and women within the mountain biking community. With experience as an elementary school teacher and coach, she is adept at working with youth of all ages. Sofia will be serving as our GRiT coordinator and a coach supporter.

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy, aka “Murph” is a team coach with the San Luis Obispo Composite Team and Coach Supporter for the Golden State South League. Murph moved to SLO in December 2022 after spending the past 6 years in Asheville, NC where he held the positions of Coach, Head Coach, and Team Director, in addition to Coach Supporter for the North Carolina Interscholastic League. Murph was awarded the NICA, SRAM Coach of the Year in 2019. “My wife, Lisa and I are thrilled to be in California where we are much closer to our daughter living in LA.” Michael is retired from corporate America and enjoys giving back to the community.

FAQ and Q&A: Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League (GoSoNICA)

What is the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). NICA is a youth development organization that uses the mountain bike as a tool to build strong minds, bodies, character and community in middle and high school student-athletes. The Golden State South league operates in southern California, and serves students from Santa Maria south to San Diego.

What are we hoping to achieve with the new Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League? What can we tell you about the league?

We want to change lives by giving more youth access to the transformative power of mountain biking. Cycling brings kids together and builds communities. The challenge inherent in the sport builds character and develops leaders. We want ALL youth to have access to these experiences. We want mountain biking to be a staple sport in schools, similar to soccer or baseball. We started this league in order to expand the opportunities for youth to engage in cycling in southern California, and we are excited to bring it to life.

Who can participate in the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

All students in grades 6th through 12th in southern California, from Santa Maria south, are welcome. This includes homeschoolers, and students from Charter and private schools.

Will coaches and/or student athletes be able to participate in more than one cycling organization?

Yes, students or coaches who are involved in other cycling programs (outside of NICA) or disciplines are welcome to also participate in the Golden State South league.

However, students cannot enroll and participate in more than one NICA league in a calendar year. For example, students cannot participate in the NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League, also part of NICA, in the spring and join the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League in the fall.

When will the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League hold races? Are there any other important dates to keep in mind?

The Golden State South League will be operating in the Fall season. Coach registration for our first season will open March 1. Student athlete registration opens April 1. And the regular season will start on July 1. Please keep your eyes peeled for event dates to come!

Why should student athletes join the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

We are building a family of cyclists. Whether you have experience riding, or it is your first time riding, we would love to have you join us. There is a place for everyone in our community. See first hand how fun mountain biking is, where you can go and what you can see.

Mountain biking is awesome!

What do coaches need to know about the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

We welcome all who are interested in coaching to join us! The most important thing is for you to have a passion for working with kids and a desire to help them be the best version of themselves that they can be.

You don’t need to be an experienced mountain biker! We can teach you cycling skills. What we need are coaches who care.

So whether you are a highly experienced coach or have never coached before, please reach out. And if you have accreditation from another entity, contact us and we will see if it transfers.

We are stoked to have new and familiar coaches join the GoSo league.

How can I learn more about the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

Visit our website: www.goldenstatesouthmtb.org