For Anna Gillum, mountain biking has always been more than just a sport—it’s been a transformative journey. As a student-athlete in the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League, she found a love for riding and a deep appreciation for the supportive community that surrounded her. Now, as a coach for Sunflower DEVO in the Kansas Interscholastic Cycling League, she’s giving back to the next generation of riders.
“I returned to NICA as a coach to make a positive difference,” Anna explains. “I want to share the love of the sport of mountain biking with kids. When I rode in NICA, I was always grateful for the time and effort that coaches give to riders to improve their skill or simply become part of a supportive team.”
Anna’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the same encouragement and guidance that once shaped her own experience. Whether she’s helping a new rider navigate a tricky technical section or pushing an experienced cyclist to reach new goals, she finds fulfillment in seeing growth unfold before her eyes.
“My favorite part about coaching is seeing how far the riders have come,” she says. “It takes a lot of patience and grit to overcome obstacles. It’s amazing to see what once made them hesitate become a strength. This could be learning a new skill on the bike or improving their endurance. It’s the improvement that makes it worthwhile for some riders, and I love being able to motivate and foster a community where this is possible.”
Through her leadership with Sunflower DEVO, Anna embodies the spirit of NICA—creating an inclusive and empowering environment for young riders. Just as her coaches once inspired her, she now plays a key role in shaping the next wave of cyclists, ensuring that the lessons learned on the trail extend far beyond the ride itself.
We are so proud of all Anna accomplished as a student-athlete and cannot wait to see how the world changes because of her passion for helping others!