Throughout every Girls on the Run season, girls develop vital life skills that nurture their physical and mental health. Among the afterschool program’s lessons is ‘Self-Talk,’ which teaches girls how to address negative self-talk and transform it into positive self-talk. Learn more about this lesson and how one coach equips her team to use it in any situation or environment.
One of the most important voices a girl hears is her own.
Girls’ self-talk impacts how they see the world, and more importantly, how they see themselves. When girls catch negative self-talk and change it into positive self-talk, they build the confidence they need to thrive. With the complicated ups and downs of adolescence, learning positive self-talk is a must-have social-emotional skill for young women everywhere.
Coach Vella from Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City embodies this concept and ensures every girl finishes the program knowing how to use positive self-talk.
Coach Vella moments away from crossing the 5K finish line at recent 5K Celebrations in Greater Kansas.
Between Vella’s sideline cheers and uplifting affirmations, Coach Vella emphasizes the power of words, helping girls build strength from the inside out. Coach Vella believes that every participant’s internal dialogue matters and knows today’s girls face societal pressures unlike ever before. Throughout her four seasons of coaching, she’s seen how quickly self-doubt can take shape and how transformative it is when girls learn to speak to themselves with understanding and kindness.
Coach Vella (center, sitting wearing gray) together with her team and coaches after completing an activity at practice.
This is precisely why the Girls on the Run self-talk lesson holds such a special place in her heart.
Each season, she encourages girls to notice their self-talk and to change it if it is bringing them down. She explains the importance of learning to use this skill anywhere: at GOTR, school, home, and beyond. Additionally, she offers reminders in real-time whenever she sees a team member who needs a boost.
This season’s 5K Celebration called for pink tutus and Coach Vella (third from left) joined in on the fun!
To help her team navigate challenges with a positive mindset, Coach Vella often suggests saying things like:
“I’m getting better every time I practice.”
“My brain loves learning new things.”
“Mistakes help me grow stronger and smarter.”
“I am a good friend who cares about others.”
“I choose to be kind even when it’s hard.”
“I’m proud of what makes me different.”
“I can do hard things.”
For Coach Vella, these aren’t just affirming messages but the building blocks for lifelong resilience.
The weather may have been overcast but Coach Vella (first on left holding up a peace sign) and her big smile brought plenty of sunshine for this team’s 5K event!
Outside of Girls on the Run, Coach Vella brings the same care and intentionality to her professional and volunteer life. She earned her MBA in 2024 from Western Governors University and now works as a senior project manager at Cardinal Health, where she leads complex initiatives with compassion and purpose.
She’s also a dedicated volunteer with Giving Hope & Help, a nonprofit that supports domestic violence survivors, combats period poverty, empowers students, and uplifts cancer patients.
Her other passion includes West African Dance, which she has been involved in since she was 12-years old!
Coach Vella continuing to spread her uplifting energy and contagious passion participating in West African Dance classes and activities.
Whether she’s managing a project, walking alongside a girl struggling to finish a lap, assembling care kits for someone in crisis, or dancing with friends, Coach Vella brings heart to everything she does. Her love of positive self-talk and supporting Girls on the Run reflects her broader commitment to her community and creating lasting change for all.
Are you interested in getting involved as a coach like Vella? Learn more about how to give back and get involved in your community!
Do you have a coach story to share? Contact Kelly McGuire at kmcguire@girlsontherun.org.
