The GOTR community, and its many remarkable supporters, breathe life into everything we do at Girls on the Run. From our volunteer coaches to program supporters and generous fundraisers, everyone who invests their time in our organization plays a pivotal role in expanding our mission. Their commitment to giving back to the community helps girls build confidence and life skills today so they can grow into strong, joyful, and healthy women in the long term.
Since 2018, Girls on the Run International has annually honored those who go above and beyond through our annual Remarkable Volunteer Awards. Each year, Girls on the Run councils nominate standout volunteers whose passion for our programming has transformed local communities. These awardees, selected by Girls on the Run International, spotlight the everyday superstars who make an inspirational impact.
We are excited to celebrate this year’s 35 Remarkable Volunteer Award winners. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for championing the Girls on the Run mission. With their support, more girls are discovering their strength and boldly pursuing their dreams every day.
Get to know our 2025 Remarkable Volunteer Award winners from coast to coast!
Remarkable Coach
- Kendal George, GOTR New Jersey North
- Sue Duckworth, GOTR Southwest Missouri
- Elizabeth DeFusco, GOTR Rhode Island
- Reva McHardy, GOTR Central Ohio
- Bob Tures, GOTR Northern Arizona
- Jack Jackter Intermediate School Coaching Team, GOTR Southeastern Connecticut
- Willow Kalke, GOTR Greater Chesapeake
- Shauna Moller, GOTR Northern Virginia
- Cindy Mui-Fung, NYC
- Tori Grant Nash, GOTR Upstate South Carolina
- Paradise Elementary Coaches, GOTR Central Louisiana
- Adriana Richard, GOTR Mid State PA
- Beth Cavielieri, GOTR Upstate NY
- Yael Abouhalkah, GOTR Greater Kansas City
Every one of our 2025 Remarkable Coach honorees has contributed to transformative experiences that girls will never forget.
From leading double-digit seasons to stepping up during pivotal moments, these volunteer coaches help inspire girls nationwide. For example, the Jack Jackter Intermediate School coaching team, comprising of Coaches Lura, Martha, and Patty, has coached over 15 seasons, supporting over 300 girls through their heart and community involvement.
Coach Tori steps up for her council during challenging times by launching new sites and mentoring new coaches.
Coach Bob uses his voice to advocate for change and support the Girls on the Run mission. He regularly speaks at City Hall and engages others in meaningful dialogue, modeling how to boldly speak up on causes that matter.
As a community resource officer, Coach Shauna empowers girls in underserved neighborhoods by combining public service with her passion for youth development.
Remarkable Council Supporter
- Wendy Carlson, GOTR Shenandoah Valley
- April Maxwell-Henley, GOTR New Jersey East
- Susan O’Brien, GOTR Bexar County
- Donna Burke, GOTR Georgia
- Leah Schapiro, GOTR Northeast Wisconsin
- Kristin Musgrave and Cameron Musgrave, GOTR Central Illinois
- Nicole Tello, GOTR Greater Chesapeake
- Bob Wilson, GOTR Memphis
- Amanda Cowell and Misty Fewel, GOTR Southeast Washington
- Erin Skolte, GOTR Philadelphia
- Sue Meholic, GOTR Greater Connecticut
- Rebecca Gathje, GOTR North Central Wisconsin
- Susan Yasuhara, GOTR Rockies
- Angela Scali, GOTR Central Ohio
- Chris Holland, GOTR Northern Virginia
Behind every strong program is a group of dedicated supporters who believe in our organization’s purpose.
April first connected with her council in 2023 by stepping up as an ambassador and bringing her unstoppable energy to champion the GOTR mission by connecting with school districts to recruit new sites.
Chris supported his council by strengthening its partnership with a major grocery store chain Wegmans, growing sponsorship opportunities, recruiting volunteers, and securing resources for teams in need.
Susan has been a longtime program champion by serving as a volunteer, board leader, and top donor. She also expanded her council’s outreach through fostering connections with her professional network and providing Title I schools with sponsorship programs.
Remarkable Fundraiser
- Rosie Laughlin, GOTR Southwest Missouri
- Jody Julian, GOTR Michiana
- Veronica McChristian, GOTR Memphis
- Alan Rasmussen, GOTR Piedmont
- Amy Magdalein-Gurley, GOTR Northeast Florida
- Cinda Dehner, GOTR Middle Tennessee
Fundraising fuels our mission and opens the door for more girls to participate.
Jody organized her GOTR Michiana’s very first fundraiser when they first launched 15 years ago. Since this achievement, she has remained committed to expanding her council’s outreach to numerous sponsors and donors.
Veronica helped GOTR Memphis secure over $91,000 and actively supports program experiences by serving as a team manager for new sites and ensuring girls have proper running shoes and equipment.
Amy raised $28,000 for GOTR Northeast Florida and inspires others to join the cause by connecting her council with potential funders to foster growth and sustainability. She also encourages local mothers to volunteer at the 5K Celebration and become SoleMates.
The leadership and dedication of all of our remarkable fundraiser winners ensure more girls have access to our joyful and transformative evidence-based programming. We thank each winner for prioritizing girls’ needs and making GOTR an important part of their lives.
Feeling inspired and motivated to become a remarkable volunteer in your own community? Find a way to volunteer with Girls on the Run in your community!
