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GRiT Program

Currently, girls represent 20% of NICA’s overall national student-athlete participation. The “Girls Riding Together” (GRiT) program is dedicated to recruiting and retaining female student-athletes and coaches. By proactively recognizing and addressing the specific needs of women and girls in our community, we strive to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.

NICA GRiT Logo

NY GRiT Mission

GRiT NY strives to continue NICA’s core values of friendship, joy and adventure. Our goal is to create a program that is not only fun but creates experiences for girls to embark on adventures on and off the trails! We value inclusivity and truly believe if you want to bike, no matter the skill level or experience, EVERY GIRL is welcome and supported! We believe that biking and GRiT is an invitation that unites anyone who just likes to bike and where friendship, joy and adventure can start and flourish!

We want to increase girls’ awareness of NICA programs by offering girls-only social and riding opportunities for girls, moms, friends, siblings and female coaches. Day rides, GRiTty local businesses partnerships, GRiT Camps, and GRiT student-athlete Ambassador programs are just a few ways we are getting the word out about #GirlsRidingTogether.

Equality is not synonymous with equity. Equality is treating everyone the same. Equity is giving everyone the respective tools needed to be equally successful.

Getting Involved

GRiT is powered by a community of passionate coaches, student-athletes, and leaders working to grow girls’ participation in cycling. Explore the different roles below to see how you can support, lead, and make an impact in your local league.

We are always looking for female coaches who are excited to help get more girls on bikes. Each team should have a main GRiT coach.

Coaches can choose their level of involvement, from assisting with GRiT rides, to organizing and helping carryout GRiT activities in their area.

GRiT Ambassadors are current female New York League student-athletes who have raced for at least two years, are in high school, and are passionate about getting more girls on bikes. One to three (dependent on team size) female student-athletes from each team will be selected as a GRiT ambassador.

Our GRiT Coordinators, supported by a team of women coaches making up our GRiT Committee, work to increase female participation at the coach and student-athlete level through various outreach events across the state.

So Much GRiT Coming Your Way In 2026!

We are happy to announce that Justine Kreso, Coach from the Fayetteville Sharks out of Syracuse, will be the new New York GRiT Coordinator! Justine will be working with Dolores Diaz, NICA NY League Director & Nicky Jennings, NICA National GRiT Director. This team of awesome coaches and long-time NICA NY volunteers have big plans for the GRiT program in 2026.

Get ready for camps, clinics, games, crafts, & more! To stay tuned for upcoming dates, sign up for our newsletter! For more information about our GRiT program, contact Justine.

View Upcoming Events

Ready to spruce up your outdoors wardrobe?

Show your love of GRiT on and off the trails! Visit the NICA shop for official NICA GRiT gear!

Visit the NICA GRiT Shop