Each season, people from all walks of life step into Girls on the Run coaching opportunities. Many begin with a simple desire to give back and mentor girls. However, they soon discover the experience is more transformative than imagined.
Coaching the Girls on the Run afterschool program offers volunteers a chance to grow alongside girls, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact in communities. From the first practice to the celebratory 5K, coaches witness transformation in participants and within themselves.
To better understand and support coaches, Girls on the Run partnered with an external research company to explore what motivates coaches and sites to stay involved season after season. Ultimately, the findings affirm what many already know: caregivers, educators, and community members consistently share that coaching enriches their lives in powerful and lasting ways.
Coaching Girls on the Run Builds Confidence and Enhances Life Skills
Girls on the Run coaches and participants share smiles and celebrate together during a 5K Celebration, showing the joy, color, and community spirit of the program.
Girls on the Run coaches help participants develop confidence and life skills — and many experience similar growth. Not only does the program’s research-based curriculum not only guides the girls, but it also gives adults space to lead with empathy, reflect with intention, and strengthen their voices.
Seventy-four percent of current coaches say volunteering boosts their confidence, and 84% say it enhances their life skills. As a result, feeling personally empowered by this experience motivates 62% of coaches to continue coaching. Additionally, teacher coaches also see professional benefits, with 75% applying lessons learned through coaching in their classrooms. This means the impact of Girls on the Run extends far beyond the program itself.
“Many of the skills we teach, such as confidence, communication, goal setting, and asking for help, have become part of my daily life. As an educator, I find that the GOTR lessons translate seamlessly into the classroom and have made me a stronger leader and mentor,” shared Coach Khalya.
Coaching Girls on the Run Strengthens Community Connections
Girls on the Run brings together coaches, participants, families, and schools, creating a supportive environment where everyone belongs. As a result, coaching teams often describe themselves as more than just volunteers; they become a caring network of friends and mentors.
Ninety-eight percent of coaches say they form positive relationships with the participants on their team, and importantly, 95% believe their coaching makes a difference in participants’ lives. Moreover, strong connections with co-coaches are another highlight. Sixty-two percent of returning GOTR coaches name these bonds as a key reason to coach again.
Caregiver coaches say the program helps them grow closer to their children, with 84% reporting that coaching GOTR led to important conversations at home. Similarly, teacher coaches see similar benefits at school, with 92% saying coaching improves their relationships with students.
“Coaching Girls on the Run gave me the chance to build lasting connections with amazing young girls who continued to look up to me for years. In addition to these meaningful connections, it also introduced me to my best friend, who coached alongside me,” shared former Coach Mary.
From schools and families to councils and co-coaches, coaching GOTR fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels they belong.
Coaching Girls on the Run Offers Joy and Purpose
For many, volunteering with Girls on the Run becomes the highlight of their week. Practice days bring energy, laughter, reflection, and a sense of purpose. Consequently, many coaches say it quickly becomes one of the most rewarding parts of their routine.
Among current coaches, increased physical activity ranks among current coaches as the third-highest personal impact reported. Beyond this, many say coaching helps them reset, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most. For example, it’s a joyful break from their busy routines, making it one of the most rewarding youth development programs to be part of.
Girls on the Run coaches connect and support each other while preparing to inspire and lead their teams.
“It gives me a sense of purpose and something to look forward to. It’s fun for me to see the impact I make on the girls. Since I’m not a teacher, it was so exciting to get there after work and see the excitement on the girl’s face. It made me feel like I was truly making a difference in their life just as much as they were in mine,” said Coach Adriana.
This joy and fulfillment also inspire coaches to return. In spring 2025, 89% said they plan to coach again. Many say the experience brings joy, growth, and connections that keep them returning each season.
Coaching Creates Lifelong Impact and Personal Growth
Girls on the Run volunteer coaches don’t just support girls — they grow, too. In fact, the experience offers personal and professional development from improved leadership to increased confidence. For teachers, community members, caregivers, and first-time coaches alike, it’s a high-value opportunity with lasting rewards.
Nearly every coach (98%) describes Girls on the Run as a valuable experience. Furthermore, coaches often share that they feel appreciated, well-supported, and confident that they’re making a difference in participants’ lives.
With training and a research-based curriculum, each volunteer coach opportunity empowers girls and inspires personal growth. Parents, teachers, and community members alike find that coaching with Girls on the Run creates a long-lasting, positive impact.
Interested in becoming a role model for girls?
Are you ready to coach for Girls on the Run? Explore volunteer coach opportunities near you and discover how you can make a difference.
