Coach Walter

Coach Walter: Cultivating Leaders On and Off the Trails

Coach Walter brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for youth development to the world of cycling. He's lived in many places, from Chile to California and New Jersey, finally settling in Florida in 2004. He and his family are avid outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying activities like camping, windsurfing, snow skiing, wakeboarding, and mountain biking. His experience as an advanced technical scuba diver, frequently exploring deep wrecks and caverns, further highlights his high level of skill, discipline, and comfort in challenging environments.

His commitment to empowering young people is clear through his extensive volunteer work. For a decade, he served as a Den Leader and Assistant Scoutmaster for his son's Scout Troop, fostering learning, growth and leadership. For over 13 years, he's also been a youth leader and mentor at his home church, consistently dedicating his time to teaching leadership skills and celebrating the successes of the youth he guides. Coach Walter also enjoys playing acoustic and electric guitar, and he leads a weekly youth guitar group, harnessing the power of music to foster creativity, discipline, and teamwork.

In 2019, amidst the challenges of COVID, Coach Walter reignited his passion for mountain biking, honing skills he first developed as a BMX rider. Training weekly with his son, their dedication led them to join the Pembroke Pines Charter Mountain Biking Team in 2020. By 2023, Coach Walter's leadership qualities shone through, and he became Head Coach for both the Pembroke Pines Charter Mountain Biking Team and the NICA Pines Composite Team. He's also had the privilege of working alongside professional coaches, gaining the expertise needed to propel athletes to the next level.

Today, Coach Walter enjoys multiple cycling disciplines. You'll often see him training weekly on the road, on the track, and on the trails, demonstrating his enduring love for the sport.

Coach Walter's coaching philosophy is rooted in holistic youth development. He believes that mountain biking is a powerful tool to foster not only physical skills but also vital life lessons. His mission is to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where every rider can discover their potential, build resilience, and develop strong character. Ultimately, he aims to cultivate a lifelong love of nature and a passion for being active and challenging themselves. He emphasizes effort, continuous improvement, and the joy of shared experiences on the trails.