Each Girls on the Run season, caring, trained coaches lead girls through our research-based curriculum that helps girls build confidence, develop vital skills, and foster friendships. Their generosity, kindness, and encouragement bring our mission to life and make our afterschool program possible. Learn more about several returning coaches and why coaching has become a bright spot in their lives.
One season of Girls on the Run is all it takes for some volunteer coaches to open a new door of purpose. Many GOTR coaches start with a desire to give back, stay active, and make a difference in the next generation. After leading their first few lessons, coaches often find the experience much deeper and more eye-opening than expected. What began as a goal to empower girls frequently becomes a source of empowerment for the coaches themselves. With each passing practice, coaches continue to discover why this community is for them and why our programs are essential for today’s girls.
Hearing girls share their ideas highlights the importance of a safe, judgment-free space where their voices matter, while watching new friends connect shows why belonging is essential. Seeing girls push past limits reminds us of the power of encouragement and inner strength.
These moments aren’t just heartwarming for GOTR coaches; they are transformative and stick with them long after practice concludes.
Ask most coaches, and they’ll agree it’s hard not to smile on your way home from practice. Reflecting on the laughter shared, the support offered, and the lessons taught has its own share of benefits outside of the initial sense of warmth. It often inspires coaches to set new goals, nurture their mental health needs, embrace the joy of movement, and love what makes them, them. A recent external study confirmed that just as girls build confidence and skills during the season, coaches also reap many personal and professional benefits!
In this blog, we are thrilled to spotlight 14 returning coaches and their “whys” for continuing to lead Girls on the Run teams in their communities. Season after season, they show up with compassion and enthusiasm, creating welcoming environments where girls can thrive. Because of their commitment, 5K finish line dreams become realities. Their willingness to return repeatedly is a powerful reminder of the program’s impact on the girls and the adults who cheer them on.
Coach Ky’leesha B.
Girls on the Run Philadelphia
GOTR Coach Ky’leesha leads the way and brings her team in for a group cheer at practice
“As Coach Ky’leesha, I strive to inspire and empower the girls in Girls on the Run by fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Over my time as a coach, I’ve noticed that all of my students are overachievers, consistently earning A’s and B’s and making the honor roll. When I visit their schools to congratulate them on other achievements, I see that their confidence and drive have roots in Girls on the Run. Even those who’ve moved on and aged out continue to carry that confidence and positive spirit. It’s truly rewarding to witness their growth and enthusiasm.”
Coach Tiffany R.
Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas
GOTR Coach Tiffany always making every moment fun and takes a joy-filled selfie with her GOTR squad at practice.
“I return as a GOTR coach because I believe in the program and what it means to the girls. This program provides girls and coaches with a safe space to build relationships and develop skills that will enhance their lives. After over 20 seasons as a GOTR coach, I have witnessed the profound impact GOTR has had on the lives of hundreds of girls, our school, and our community.”
Coach Saundra S.
Girls on the Run South Georgia
GOTR Coach Saundra is all smiles moments after successfully crushing her 5K goal!
“My first season was the spring of 2024. Before that, I had not heard of GOTR. I had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to witness our large and diversified group of 3rd and 4th-grade girls work the GOTR curriculum. It is quite comprehensive! My favorite part of the lesson is the Energy Award. Our girls learned the qualities to look for and appreciate in each other. Experiencing them celebrating each other’s strengths and growth was heartwarming. Who wouldn’t want to support girls supporting each other?!”
Coach Angela C.
Girls on the Run Memphis
GOTR Coach Angela and a member of her team share mega-wat smiles in cool shades at the 5K.
“I deeply value the Girls on the Run (GOTR) program and the positive impact it has on the girls at my school. The lessons are both meaningful and timely, helping to build emotional intelligence and resilience. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the emotional and physical growth of the girls from season to season. My involvement with GOTR has not only allowed me to support their development—it has also challenged and enriched me personally. I believe that the lessons taught in the GOTR program will continue to enrich our girls in immeasurable ways.”
Coach Sarah P.
Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay
GOTR Coach Sarah shines as bright as the Florida sun as she rocks a GOTR cape alongside a GOTR girl.
“I return to coaching GOTR year after year because of the relationships I get to build with my colleagues. I get the opportunity to collaborate with others outside of my role, from Pre-K teachers to school counselors to school psychologists. These relationships are then mirrored among our girls, modeling what it’s like to meet new friends and work with others you might not normally work with.”
Coach Tori N.
Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
GOTR Coach Tori proudly stands beside her hardworking team as they prepare to toe the 5K starting line.
“I love being part of this program because I remember how much I needed encouragement and guidance when I was in elementary school. That’s what inspires me. I want to be that person for our GOTR girls. Helping them through such an important time in their lives and reminding them that they can do hard things is what keeps me coming back year after year. What makes it even more special is watching their confidence grow week by week. Seeing a girl who was once unsure of herself cross the finish line or share her voice with the team reminds me why this work matters. Those little moments of growth and joy are what fill my heart and keep me coming back.”
Coach Jen E.
Girls on the Run New Jersey East
Coach Jen beams with joy at the 5K alongside her GOTR alum daughter, Hannah.
“As a teacher, my passion has always been to help kids grow as people. Coaching Girls on the Run gives me the chance to do that outside the classroom and alongside my own daughters. I return every season because the program fills me with joy, and I love watching girls discover their own confidence.”
Coach Sabrina
Girls on the Run New Jersey East
Coach Sabrina (far left with the crown and “royal” cape) cheers during a celebratory moment from the 5K in Newark.
“Every season, I get to witness girls blossom. Seeing them realize they are stronger than they thought keeps me coming back. Coaching with my team reminds me how powerful it is when girls have adults cheering them on.”
Coach Lacey W.
Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida
GOTR Coach Lacey uses her voice and Star Power to cheer girls on at the 5K.
“I never imagined I’d become a runner, but after losing my son in February of 2014, I knew I needed to honor him by honoring my own body by doing the things he would never have been able to do. That journey led me to Girls on the Run the following school year, where I’ve found both healing and joy in pouring into young girls, giving them the girl-power connection I wish I’d had growing up.”
Coach Kathleen M.
Girls on the Run Columbia Valley
GOTR Coach Kathleen shares some words of encouragement to her team as they prepare for the day’s big event.
“I look forward to coaching each season because I know the program builds real-life skills, knowledge, and confidence for each girl. I love helping the team grow throughout the season and seeing the satisfied smiles as the girls cross their 5k finish line and move on toward a bright future.”
Coach Sheree F.
Girls on the Run Middle Tennessee
GOTR Coach Sheree opted to share a photo she captured of her team as they came together and worked on their Team Agreement for the season!
“When I originally wanted to bring GOTR to Stewartsboro, I didn’t see the gravity of how important and empowering this community was. As a 3rd grade teacher, my eyes were opened to the challenges young girls are facing earlier in childhood. I knew this program was powerful, as I have seen it be impactful to other friends who were coaches at other schools. This is my third season coaching Girls on the Run, and it has truly become one of my favorite parts of the year.
The lessons we teach are empowering to me and my fellow coaches, and it’s amazing to see them applied to women and girls, no matter their age. Watching their joy when they accomplish a goal reminds me why I keep coming back. Being a coach is such a gift, and I’m grateful for the chance to walk (and run!) alongside these amazing girls as they grow.
Coach Azusena M.
Girls on the Run Los Angeles County
GOTR Coach Azusena shares a sunny smile and peace sign after crossing the finish line.
“I have returned because I have not only learned so much about myself, but I have learned so much from my students. I have created long-lasting relationships and memories that have taught me so many life skills and lessons on what it takes to be a role model and a coach for GOTR.”
Coach Marlea L.
Girls on the Run Hudson Bay
GOTR Coach Marlea proudly points to her name in the eight-season coach club list!
“It (coaching) was way out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to be there for the girls who wanted to be a part of a team. That season, I learned with the girls and grew to really love the mission and how GOTR teaches girls to be the best version of themselves without ever dulling their sparkle or asking them to change. I love being a part of introducing these valuable lessons to young girls so they have their whole lives to use their GOTR toolboxes and move whatever mountains they are destined to move.”
Coach Suzy G.
Girls on the Run South Dakota
GOTR Coach Suzy G. poses with pride alongside GOTR participants Fallon and Elsie.
“I return to coach each season because of the relationships I have made. Sisters Fallon and Elise asked me if I would run the 5K with them a year after I had coached them. The friendships continue throughout the season. We have made lifelong friends through GOTR.”
Inspired by their stories? Become part of our powerful movement. Register to coach next season and experience firsthand why so many keep coming back.
