Our coaches love biking and are great with kids. Several are certified by PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) or IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and many have experience coaching other sports. All BYC Youth Program coaches participate in pre-season training focused on skills instruction and group management and attend (at minimum) a first aid course. Additionally, BYC’s partnerships with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and APRS Physical Therapy have provided opportunities for our coaches to receive additional education in trail etiquette and concussion management. Our coaches all complete SafeSport training through USA Cycling.
Please email us directly if you are interested in coaching for Bozeman Youth Cycling’s Youth Program and/or the Bozeman/Gallatin NICA Team as we’re looking for dynamic, energized coaches to ride with the kids!
Hank Payne (Youth Program Manager)
Hank has been coaching kids in various sports since he was in high school. Since finding his way onto a bicycle he has looked for an opportunity to combine his passions of cycling and working with kids, culminating in working for BYC. In the role of Youth Program Manager Hank’s main goal is to have every participant leave the summer with new and polished skills, friendships with new and old teammates, and more fun than they could have imagined. When not at Lindley Park or Crosscut you can find Hank shooting photos, riding his bike with friends, playing hockey or ultimate frisbee, or romping with his dog Sophia. Looking forward to another great year of BYC!
Hannah Downey
Longtime BYC Coach Hannah Downey will be the Practice Coordinator on Tuesdays. Our Practice Coordinators will be the first ones there setting up and the last ones there. The Practice Coordinators will help you find your child’s group, get you a loaner helmet if you forgot one, greet and direct the parent volunteers, and last minute fill-in coach as needed. Touch base with Hannah when you arrive on Tuesdays if you have any questions.
Jenn Adams
Longtime BYC Coach Jenn Adams will be the Practice Coordinator on Thursdays. Our Practice Coordinators will be the first ones there setting up and the last ones there. The Practice Coordinators will help you find your child’s group, get you a loaner helmet if you forgot one, greet and direct the parent volunteers, and last minute fill-in coach as needed. Touch base with Jenn when you arrive on Thursdays if you have any questions.
Heidi Makoutz
Heidi has been starting and leading teams for over 20 years with her contagious energy and enthusiasm. She has coached athletes in running, nordic ski racing and mountain biking.
As a student-athlete at St. Lawrence University, she ran cross country and track and skied on the EISA nordic circuit. She went on to earn her masters in education and then taught health science and coached cross country and track at the high school level for 5 years.
In 2008, Heidi moved to Bozeman and began coaching Nordic skiing for Bridger Ski Foundation. She coached the development team age groups (8-12 year olds) for 6 years and has been the coach of the adult/masters programs since 2014. During this time, she also worked for the non-profit Thrive and helped bring the nationally renowned Girls on the Run program to Bozeman, recruiting and training coaches and leading the program at four local elementary schools.
In the last decade Heidi has become hooked on two-wheeled adventures thanks to inspiration from her family (husband Scott and three young rippers – Clara, Frances and Juniper). Contributing to the community while raising three adventurous girls has enhanced her belief that working hard IS having fun — on wheels, on skis, and in life.
She is honored to be a part of building NICA teams in Bozeman and seeing student athletes find their best selves while riding together. Heidi is a Level 3 certified NICA Coach, PMBIA level 1, and is the Head Coach of the Bozeman HS, Gallatin HS, and Bridger Composite NICA teams.
You must be logged in to post a comment.