BERKELEY, Calif. – The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is pleased to announce a new scholarship created by professional cyclist and NICA NorCal Alumna Kate Courtney. The Sparkle On Scholarship presented by Kate Courtney in partnership with Scott, Syncros, SRAM, and RockShox will recognize student-athletes who have demonstrated academic and athletic excellence during their time with NICA and plan to attend college and continue mountain bike racing.
“I know from experience that the transition to college as a student-athlete is often difficult and wanted to create this scholarship as a way to help with the challenges of balancing college studies and racing,” shares Kate Courtney. Recipients of this award will receive both financial support and mentorship to aid in their continued pursuit of academic and athletic excellence beyond NICA. “To me,” Kate continues, “excellence is not defined by race results or GPA, but in the attitude and effort with which individuals pursue greatness. I am excited to help support the next generation of NICA student-athletes as they continue to work hard and believe in their dreams.”
The Sparkle On Scholarship will be awarded to four seniors from NICA leagues and consist of a monetary award of $10,000 each and mentorship in the form of quarterly calls with Kate during their first year of college and career mentoring through SRAM. Those recipients without a bike sponsor and committing to race on Scott for the year will also receive a Scott mountain bike.
The Sparkle On Scholarship presented by Kate Courtney in partnership with Scott, Syncros, SRAM, and RockShox is open to NICA student-athletes graduating high school who will attend college for the 2021-22 academic year and who are seeking to balance mountain bike racing with college studies.
