ARIANA BRUTICO’s path into sports and outdoor recreation began early with her family - hiking, camping, and skiing were regular staples. Throughout school and beyond, she found both community and a competitive outlet in soccer, swimming, running, and triathlons. But it wasn’t until her oldest son joined a local PICL team in 2017 that she discovered the sport of mountain biking. After showing up to practice as a spectating parent, she was invited into riding and coaching. From there, she began volunteering at events, experiencing firsthand how powerful supportive adults can be in shaping young athletes.

As a Level 3 NICA Coach, Ariana especially enjoys working with student-athletes who are new to riding and the league. She also enjoys teaching NICA First Aid and CPR to other mountain bike coaches. Ariana currently serves as PICL’s Program Director and is passionate about helping student-athletes (and coaches) grow stronger in mind and body, discover resilience and character through challenge, and connect with a community that values belonging, stewardship, and personal growth.

Outside of PICL, Ariana serves on the Board of the Countryside Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust committed to protecting and connecting greenspace. She volunteers as a ski patroller at Elk Mountain, serves as the Young Adult Patroller mentor, and leads small groups of both middle school girls and adult women at her church. Before joining PICL’s staff, she practiced for 19 years as a physical therapist. She and her husband are raising four children, all of whom constantly test their scheduling and logistics abilities.

Fueled by black coffee, regular physical activity outdoors, and the belief that doing hard things together makes better humans, Ariana brings organization and intention to the work ahead. She lives in the northeast corner of PA with her family, and during free time can usually be found chasing high peaks, cold plunges, and adventurous rides, runs or backpacking excursions - often with questionable judgment about what counts as “fun.”