Girls on the Run showed Adriana Richards she could make a difference. Years later, she did — by helping restart a team in her community.
Growing up with Type 1 diabetes, Adriana often felt isolated and unsure where she fit in. She played sports and enjoyed being part of a team, but had yet to find an extracurricular that checked all the boxes. Everything changed when she discovered Girls on the Run.
Through the program, Adriana found a welcoming space where she could embrace her uniqueness, set goals, and form new friendships. She also fell in love with the program’s lesson structure and activities, which help girls build life skills alongside physical activity. That experience inspired her to pursue a degree in early childhood education.
While completing her degree online, Adriana returned home and realized her local elementary school no longer offered Girls on the Run. Thinking about today’s girls — and the impact the program once had on her — she decided to step up and bring it back.
“Girls on the Run was the brightest light for me during my elementary years,” Adriana said. “I wanted girls in my community to experience that same magic.”
Young Adriana with a coach at her first Girls on the Run 5K Celebration!
Restarting a Girls on the Run Team With Council Support
With guidance from her council, Girls on the Run Mid State PA, and support from school leadership, Adriana’s team was quickly up and running. The council’s guidance and resources made the process more accessible than Adriana originally expected.
“I was super nervous about my first season, but the council staff was so helpful. I mentioned wanting to restart a team, and they basically took it from there,” she shared. “They truly make the process so easy for volunteers!”
Reaching out to the school was just as straightforward. “As soon as I reached out to my local elementary school and expressed that I wanted to restart a Girls on the Run team, the principal was on board right away.”
In addition to serving as the site’s liaison, Adriana also coached that season. From the first practice, memories of finding her happy pace and laughing with teammates came rushing back. She watched girls, including her younger sister Ainsley, begin forming friendships and supporting one another.
Adriana standing proudly next to her sister, Ainsley, at a 5K Celebration. We love to see GOTR become a family tradition!
“Practice was a time for creating connections,” she said. “It was a place where girls could be themselves, share what’s in their hearts, and grow in confidence. Every time you walked in, you’d immediately feel the girl power and want to be a part of it!”
Adriana and her team gathering together for a fun selfie.
Impact Beyond the Track
As girls increased their strength on the track, Adriana saw growth that extended far beyond running skills. Girls developed tools to communicate their emotions and treat others with compassion.
“Because of the girls that season, the GOTR curriculum was in the school’s hallways and throughout the community,” Adriana said. “Girls who wouldn’t hang out with each other before GOTR expanded into other circles and grew their relationships. They learned how to be better friends, teammates, and classmates.”
Families noticed the difference, too. One parent shared that her daughter loved the program so much that she cried at the end of the season because she had to wait two months for the next one to begin. The parent also noted the meaningful boost in her daughter’s confidence. That meaningful exchange continues to motivate Adriana today. “It was such a special moment of realizing I was exactly where I needed to be and that starting these programs in my community was making a difference much bigger than I could imagine.”
At practice, Adriana fosters a welcoming place where girls can have fun, be themselves, laugh, and make friends.
A Commitment That Keeps Growing
Adriana hopes her story will inspire more people to reach out to their councils and start GOTR teams in their own schools and communities.
“If you have space to run, two willing coaches, and an open heart and mind to impact young girls’ lives, you have all you need to run Girls on the Run,” she said. “The council staff provide everything for you in terms of materials, curriculum, support, and snacks. You are set up for success from the beginning — you just have to be willing to start!”
Adriana and her team together embracing the joy of the fall season and the 5K Celebration.
Since hosting her first team, Adriana shared that she can’t imagine her life without Girls on the Run. “Starting a GOTR team has been life-changing. I have found myself wanting to be more involved every season.”
Her roles have included serving as a site liaison, GOTR coach, intern, Heart & Sole coach, Camp GOTR coach, and 5K setup volunteer. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for GOTR.”
In recognition of her dedication, Girls on the Run Mid-State PA nominated Adriana for a Remarkable Volunteer Award. She was selected by Girls on the Run International as a winner in the Remarkable Coach category, honoring her ongoing service and impact.
Adriana using her Star Power to coach at Heart & Sole, the Girls on the Run program for middle school girls.
Outside of Girls on the Run, Adriana has also worked with the American Diabetes Association, The Diabetes Link, and even founded her own diabetes nonprofit, T1D to the Third. The organization provides a welcoming virtual community for people with type 1 diabetes around the world, fostering connection and fun.
Follow Adriana’s Example
Adriana’s story is a reminder that one person can change what’s possible for girls in a community. By restarting a Girls on the Run team and continuing to serve in other roles, she has shown how local leadership can open doors for more girls to feel like they belong, grow their confidence, and build meaningful relationships.
Feeling inspired by Adriana’s heart-powered leadership? Interested in starting a team in your school or community? Adriana has a message for you: “Believe in yourself! You are exactly what these girls need.”
Learn more about how to start a Girls on the Run team here!
