FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
Westminster University Names Nic Sims as Head Men's and Women's Mountain Biking Coach
SALT LAKE CITY–Today, Westminster University Director of Athletics Shay Wyatt announced the hiring of Nic Sims as the new head men's and women's mountain biking coach. Sims comes to Westminster with decades of experience working within the cycling industry as a coach, avid and accomplished cyclist, board president, development and marketing representative, brand, events and public relations manager, technician and entrepreneur.
"I'm pleased to announce Nic Sims as the new head coach of our men's and women's mountain biking program," said Wyatt. "Nic is well regarded within the cycling industry. For the past eight years, he has played a pivotal role in the progression and success of the Park City High School Mountain Bike Team. He brings a proven track record of successfully developing student-athletes, along with the administrative responsibilities that must be managed with such programs. We look forward to welcoming Coach Sims to our institution and department and supporting his efforts."
For the past eight years, Sims has served as a coach and board president for the Park City Schools Mountain Bike Team. Since 2017, Sims has been the cofounder and partner of SIMBOL Communications, which specializes in communications and public relations for active lifestyle brands.
"Joining Westminster University to help build a new mountain bike program as part of the Mountain Sports initiative is an exciting opportunity. With over 20 years in the cycling industry and eight years coaching the Park City High School Mountain Bike Team, I'm ready to bring my passion, experience, and commitment to developing student-athletes who excel on the trails and in life," said Sims. "Together, we'll create a program that not only fosters competitive success but also inspires a lifelong love of mountain biking and the great outdoors."
From 2013 to 2022, Sims served as the Partnership Manager for NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association), where he increased corporate partnerships by 30%. In 2022, he received the NICA Legacy Award. Sims has more than two decades of experience working with leading cycling industry companies at Specialized Bicycles and Scott Sports.
Westminster University's new men's and women's mountain biking teams will hit the trail in the 2025–26 academic year. These varsity-level programs will join USA Cycling, participating in the Collegiate Division and the Intermountain Conference Division, with annual mountain biking competitions. Along with scholarship opportunities, mountain biking student-athletes will have access to training along the Wasatch Front and beyond, taking advantage of the diverse and competitive terrain Westminster's backyard has to offer. Interested prospective students are encouraged to submit an athletics inquiry form.
About Westminster University
Westminster University is a private, independent, and comprehensive university in Salt Lake City, Utah. Students experience the liberal arts blended with professional programs in an atmosphere grounded in wellness. With the goal of enabling its graduates to live vibrant, just, and successful lives, Westminster provides transformational learning experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students in a student-centered environment. Faculty focus on teaching, learning, and developing distinctive, innovative programs, while students thrive on Westminster's urban Sugar House campus within minutes of the Rocky Mountains. For more details on Westminster University, visit westminsteru.edu.
Media Contacts:
David Winkworth, Director of Athletic Communications
dwinkworth@westminsteru.edu
Emily Samore, Director of Communications
esamore@westminsteru.edu
