STEFANIE MCDANIEL

Stefanie McDaniel is a Professional Mountain biker and certified MTB skills coach based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Since embarking on her racing journey in 2017, Stefanie has amassed over 50 pro podium finishes in the discipline of Enduro. Stef is a 6-time Arizona state Enduro champion, 2020 Big Mountain Enduro Champion, and 2023 SW Regional Enduro Champion.

As a sponsored athlete for Pivot Cycles, Stefanie embodies the spirit of mountain biking both on and off the trails. Her dedication to coaching stems from her own experiences benefiting from professional instruction and a commitment to mastering the fundamentals, echoing Kobe Bryant's philosophy of "never getting bored with the basics."

While racing holds a special place in Stefanie's heart, her passion extends beyond competition. As a dedicated coach, she channels her love for the sport into guiding and inspiring students, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to help them hone their skills and foster a genuine appreciation for mountain biking. Stefanie's coaching philosophy is rooted in nurturing individual abilities and fostering a deep connection to the sport, igniting the souls of her students with the same passion that drives her own journey on the trails.

Since becoming a PMBIA Certified Instructor in 2019, Stefanie has been passionate about passing on her knowledge and excitement for mountain biking to her students. Her coaching style is characterized by clarity, conciseness, and a sense of fun, tailored to each student's skill level. Stefanie ensures personalized attention and fosters an environment conducive to growth and progression. A distinctive aspect of Stefanie's coaching is her emphasis on positive mental messaging, empowering her students to step outside their comfort zones safely and confidently. In 2022, she expanded her impact by becoming an Instructor Trainer for the Arizona Cycling Association, equipping instructors with the skills and techniques to coach middle and high school student athletes effectively.

Stefanie maintains a rigorous training regimen on her local trails and in the gym, ensuring she's in peak condition to meet the demands of riding. She also finds joy in immersing herself learning new things, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, spending time with loved ones, and embarking on adventures with her husband, Mike, and their furry companion, Bowie. Balancing her passion for biking with her full-time role managing her family's Electrical Contracting business in Mesa, AZ, Stefanie epitomizes the spirit of dedication and versatility in pursuit of her passions.    

Watch Stef Ride: 

Pivot Switchblade Talon Limited Edition (2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92diy_63J4&t=1s

Switchblade VS Hawes (2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBXytL3yqPg

Freehub POV Down National (2022) https://youtu.be/R9t-dWvM3v4

Made with Love Carbon Manufacturing (2022) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGamuoMNsEk 

Pivot #Ishuttlemyself (2021) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0hbOPqXdEs

Pivot Shuttle Launch with Aaron Chase (2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xe_O5uc9aY