Phil McNichol: Achieving Transformational Success with Quality Coaching and Strategic Alignment

Featured image: Bode Miller, Daron Rahlves, and Phil McNichol celebrating after they placed first and second. Credit: Jonathan Selkowitz

Phil McNichol has devoted his career to alpine ski racing, achieving remarkable milestones along the way. As the Head Coach of the men’s US Ski Team (pre-Stifel 02’ to 08’), he propelled the team toward unprecedented success. Additionally, he served as the High Performance Director for Alpine Canada Alpin, leading the team to the most World Championship medals in Canadian Alpine history (2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships).

A few of his accolades include being named Coach of the Year and the International Alpine Coach of the Year in 2008, and he was honored with induction into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, class of 2022.

With his wealth of experience, he has effectively guided teams and has expanded his influence as an independent advisor and consultant in winter sports.

His philosophy is: “People are your number one asset, and making them better is critical for success.”

He works to identify the weaknesses in each system he engages to determine what could enhance the development of those programs, organizations, and companies, particularly in their coaching and leadership frameworks.

Phil’s efforts are dedicated to supporting organizations through their strategic alignment.

“I have always been advising and consulting between my different jobs, but now I want to apply this approach to my professional work and dedicate my time to it.”

Mentoring and Coaching Education for the Stifel U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team 

Phil is contracted by the Stifel U.S. Ski and Snowboard team to oversee the alpine coaches’ education and certification. He brings his decades of coaching at the highest level and managing junior racing programs to the table when formulating and conducting coaching educational programs.

In addition, the Stifel U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team has tasked Phil with developing and providing a formal mentorship program to support domestic club and academy coaches in their advanced professional development. The program aims to provide opportunities for U.S. coaches to learn, grow, and gain experience in coaching at the high-performance level. It is in the planning phase and will be available in early winter.

Providing Framework for Quality Coaching and Leadership

Phil has worked with several high-performing teams, programs, and organizations to provide them with a solid foundation for quality coaching and the formulation of leadership roles. 

Before engaging in a program to enhance these critical aspects, he emphasized the importance of assessing the program’s current state and evaluating the existing systems and methods.

“Whether working with individuals, groups, or the entire organization, it is important to meet people where they are and build from there together,” Phil explained. 

After spending time evaluating the program, Phil works on “filling in the gaps,” which is a process focused on the critical pillars:

Culture: connecting values to philosophy and bringing this to life through actions and behaviors. 

Systems-based coaching: methods and principles to elevate outcomes through how we coach, train, practice, and compete.

Leadership: leadership is based on trust, interactive decision-making, shared commitment, open accountability, and laser focus on attention to mission and outcomes.

Bringing in an Advisor for Junior Programs to Thrive

Junior programs play a vital role in racers’ development stages. Highlighting the importance of effectively managing various planning elements, such as strategic planning, athletic program strategies, staff training, and practical coaching education. 

Phil states, “A common pitfall for junior programs is they can become buried beneath work and lose sight of professional development, well-being, and the big picture. New perspectives and support can be a welcomed addition.” 

As a result, he shares his knowledge of fundamental planning strategies to give programs the additional boost they need to succeed.

Will Brandenburg, Alpine Program Director for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, states, “Phil worked with us on several key initiatives, but his primary focus was helping refine our program’s overall structure and strategic approach. His insights were invaluable in developing our coaching staff, refining athlete development pathways, and enhancing our race organization.” 

He continued, “He also provided critical feedback on our long-term athlete development philosophy, ensuring we were aligned with the latest research and best practices in sport.”

Also, over the past five years, Phil has collaborated multiple times with the various programs at Okemo Mountain School. He played a crucial role in developing effective training plans, creating strategies for coaches, delivering coaching cues, designing training environments, and crafting drills to teach fundamental skills.

Mariel Meringolo, the Head of School for Okemo Mountain School, stated, “Phil’s work with our programs helped coaches approach training sessions in a more organized fashion that ultimately elevated the quality of those training sessions.”

“Additionally, his work with us on training fundamentals was impactful for newer and weekend-only coaches, who had less time to develop their knowledge of the sport. Phil worked with coaches both in classroom sessions and on the hill to make a huge impact,” she continued. 

Not Reinventing the Wheel: Applying Science-Based Concepts

Phil firmly believes that there are valuable books with extensive research that give him the tools to assist organizations in bringing order to chaos and executing a successful plan. He applies many concepts depicted in “Coaching Better Every Season” by Dr. Wade Gilbert.

Dr. Gilbert, an internationally renowned coaching scientist, teaches as an award-winning professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University Fresno.

Phil states, “’Coaching Better Every Season’ is based on building systems and having a process. A great takeaway is simply applying the four Es of the yearly cycle: Envision-Preseason, Enact—In Season, Evaluate—End of Season, Enhance—Off Season.”

Additionally, he refers to research in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) “Quality Coaching Framework.” 

“The first three major categories of the Quality Coaching Framework (Essential Coaching Knowledge, Athlete-Centered Outcomes, and Contextual Fit) speak volumes,” Phil states.

In coaching education, he believes understanding and applying the new U.S. Ski and Snowboard certification pathways is essential. Phil’s involvement with U.S. Ski & Snowboard provides direct knowledge and application of this pathway, combined with additional resources to enhance staff development. This approach assists, prepares staff, and develops coaches for the USSS Coach Certification Assessments.

Phil’s Main Focus Moving Forward

Phil dedicates himself to helping various organizations progress by taking specific steps to improve their frameworks holistically.

He explains, “My plan is straightforward: I want to continue to grow, learn, and contribute. Sport has given me so much in my life and has provided me opportunities to lead, guide, manage, and support people in achieving their highest potential.”

He believes people are every team’s greatest asset, and each entity needs motivation to capitalize on development strategies to enhance its people and cultivate success.

“I hope to engage with more programs to support individuals, teams (small and large), and organizations excited to collaborate and utilize my support.”

Phil sets the tone for success by bringing a blend of experience, communication skills, and intuition to each entity. “I’m excited to continue to give back to the sport that has given me so much.”

If you want to explore working with Phil, you can contact him via email at pmcnichol63@gmail.com.