In the spring of 2015, Alex Serov decided he would be a rock climber.

After a few months of college climbing at Purdue University’s climbing wall, he made the mental choice that this was what he wanted to do—his sport and his community. He remembers that moment clearly, and several years later, after a whole lot of climbing, that decision still holds more than it ever has.

It’s been a wild journey navigating the Midwest climbing scene, meeting amazing people, going on epic adventures, and having meaningful experiences along the way.

Some of the roles Alex has taken on in the climbing space include climbing wall staff, routesetter, instructor, head routesetter, head instructor, outdoor club rock and ice consultant, outdoor adventure adjunct instructor, private coach, indoor and outdoor event chief, instructor trainer, and leadership development facilitator, along with serving as an informal outdoor guide for groups large and small. He has completed AMGA SPI and CWI courses and exams, as well as USAC indoor route setting clinics and multi-day mountaineering classes. If it can be done in climbing, there’s a very good chance he knows a bit about it.

As President of the Indiana Climbers Coalition, Alex sees Indiana as a climbing space full of opportunity and potential for development. He believes few groups have had the opportunity to do what ICC is now positioned to do and is excited—more than words can contain—about what’s possible for Indiana climbing in the coming years. He encourages others to stay tuned and stay involved as ICC continues to build access and community across the state.