Coaches
Head coaches
Darin Thureen, Middle School
Coach Darin brings his passion for mountain biking and a resume of over 25+ years of coaching experience to the team. Darin or to keep it simple, Coach “D”, has been involved with the 196 team for over seven years, starting as a parent ride leader, an Assistant Coach, and now Head Coach of the Middle School team.
Coach Darin thrives on helping athletes improve their skills by creating a fun environment for learning and performance.
Coach Darin is an avid rider (Road and MTB) and actively involved with the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure where he captains “Team DADDEO” and leads fundraisers for the Knights of Columbus.
Emily Strong, High School
I joined the team in 2023 to spend more time riding with my son and quickly realized my love of the sport and that our student athletes and their families were “my people". The mix of physical challenge, interpersonal connection, and time in nature keeps me grounded and happy—it’s the sport that pushes me and resets me at the same time.
I’m a full-on bike nerd. From diagnosing rough shifting to upgrading components, I love working on bikes and helping riders understand how to keep their bikes running strong.
I began coaching in college and have experience training athletes in swimming, volleyball, cross-country, and baseball. I know when to push, when to back off, and how to create a fun, high-energy environment where riders can progress—whether we’re sessioning tech, grinding climbs, or rolling at party pace.
Off the trail, I’m usually working on bikes, weight lifting, grinding out some gravel rides, gardening, or getting absolutely humbled by my kids at board games.
Assistant coaches
Alesia Smith, Middle School
With over two decades of experience as a figure skating coach and 15 years on the trails, I have cultivated a deep love and understanding of athletic development and outdoor adventure. I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the sport of mountain biking.
Drawing from my extensive background in figure skating and outdoor pursuits, I bring a unique blend of expertise to coaching. I believe in embracing falls and failures as opportunities for growth that not only build individual riders but also foster a culture of perseverance and determination within the team. By instilling these values alongside technical skills, discipline, and teamwork, you are not just shaping athletes, you are shaping individuals who are resilient both on and off the trail.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or new to the sport, I am here to support and inspire you on your mountain biking journey. Together, we will conquer trails, overcome obstacles, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.