SPORT COACHING M.S.

"The work that I do to develop and support coaching education and development systems across a wide range of organizations will help support NICA’s mission and vision."

As an NICA board member, Dieffenbach contributes her extensive background as a competitive cyclist, 20 plus years of coaching developmental and elite cyclists and working in coach education in the national cycling community with USA Cycling.

"The work that I do to develop and support coaching education and development systems across a wide range of organizations will help support NICA’s mission and vision."

"Kristen brings a wealth of experiences and knowledge about cycling, long-term athlete development and coaching to the position on the NICA National Board of Directors. The NICA's mission and vision align well with Dr. Dieffenbach’s position as director of the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences while guiding their initiatives," Valerie Wayda, Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Academic Affairs and program coordinator for athletic coaching education, said.

In addition to the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences in CPASS, Dieffenbach holds several related qualifications, including the USA Cycling Certified Elite Coach certification. She has served in various positions with national and international organizations, including the United States Center for Coaching Excellence and Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Dieffenbach says that she was honored to be asked to join the board, which is led by her former athlete and now colleague Amanda Carey, NICA president.

"I am excited to help in the continued development of a growing organization. This group is bringing best evidence-based practices for long term holistic development to life for young people. It provides access and opportunity to engage in a lifetime sport that has been such a big part of my life since learning to ride when I was five."

NICA has 31 scholastic leagues which incorporate middle and high school students around the country, including the WV Interscholastic Cycling League.

"I have been involved with NICA for more than a decade, speaking at their national conference and at state events, supporting their volunteer coaching and long-term athlete development work."

The NICA racing organization hosts a variety of programs that promote entry and engagement for youth and families into a cycling community and lifestyle. Programs include NICA GRiT (Girls Riding Together), NICA Teen Trail Corp and NICA Adventure.

Dieffenbach says that joining the board aligns with the research and applied work she has focused on as a coach, performance consultant and director of the CACSS.

"It provides opportunities to expand on the efforts that my students and I have done with coaching education within the WVICL. Being an NICA board member complements what I do as a WVICL board member, advisor of the WV Cycling Club and a mentor rider with the Morgantown chapter of Little Bellas."

Dieffenbach says she is looking forward to finding opportunities to continue to support cycling in the community and state.

"Specifically, I want to support the exciting pilot project that the Youth Cycling Coalition awarded to Morgantown last year. This effort will help students with a passion for sport science and cycling find ways to bring their academic backgrounds to real world application."

"I promise all my students that I will see them successfully through my courses, provided they are determined to put in the work and effort."

"Possessing the "heart of a teacher" requires my students to understand the needs of those they teach in the K-12 setting and to find ways to inspire and reach those they serve in the school setting."

James Wyant decided to pursue a career in teaching because he finds it a very enriching experience to help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

"I value the teacher’s role as positive change agents in schools and communities," he says. "Now, as a faculty member, my primary responsibility is to help prepare the next generation of educators."

"In addition, the opportunity to teach and research issues related to teaching allows me to contribute positively to the betterment of the field."

As a faculty member, he says, one of his fundamental responsibilities is to train future teachers.

"I take this responsibility seriously because teachers are critical to society. Therefore, in my classes, I always tout the importance of possessing ‘the heart of a teacher.’"

"In working with future teachers, I help them see the value of being supportive, empathetic, and patient with K-12 students. To this end, possessing a heart of a teacher requires my students to understand the needs of those they teach in the K-12 setting and to find ways to inspire and reach those they serve in the school setting."