This blog features firsthand experiences from seasoned Girls on the Run volunteer coaches as well as submissions from Girls on the Run council members about stand-out coaches who have made a long-term impact in their communities.
Every Girls on the Run season, a special kind of joy – one nurtured by caring coaches who believe in tomorrow’s leaders – ignites a spark in communities throughout North America. From Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon (yes, since 1996, we have served girls in all 50 states plus Canada), this positive energy empowers girls precisely when they need it most. During this time, girls from all walks of life team up in their communities to move, learn, and build confidence. Our evidence-based curriculum sets the stage for these moving experiences. Fueling every transformative moment, there’s a compassionate, trained volunteer coach who leads the lessons and fosters an environment where girls can be themselves and encourage others to do the same.
In this blog, we’re celebrating 10 remarkable Girls on the Run coaches who have gone above and beyond the finish line, each coaching more than 10 seasons.
(Speaking of which, be sure to revisit our blog on 20-season coach Jennifer Ford!)
Coach Jennifer shining bright with two GOTR girls at the 5K.
These inspiring women and all our amazing volunteers are the heartbeats of our program, encouraging countless participants to reach life milestones with confidence. Let’s meet the coaches who have helped (and continue to help) shape the future, one season at a time.
Coach Jordan McCormick – Girls on the Run Central Iowa
Coach Jordan McCormick comes together with her team at at a 5K Celebration.
“As a volunteer coach for over 16 seasons, I have been able to see how this program impacts the lives of girls who participate,” shared Coach Jordan. “In fact, last season, when we focused on expressing our emotions using ‘I Feel’ statements, one girl on my team shared how she was able to use an ‘I Feel’ statement over a weekend with her mom. This girl has several siblings, and she was able to express to her mom, ‘I feel loved when you spend one-on-one time with me because it makes me feel special. I would like for you to keep finding time to hang out with just me.’ She went on to express how much she enjoyed spending extra time with her mom.
GOTR has made such a unique impact on my life. While I am able to see the incredible transformations and increase in confidence of girls who participate between third through fifth grades, I am also able to experience the lessons and values right alongside the girls and apply them to my own adult life. So, the next time you put on your shoes, I hope you think about the third-grade version of yourself.”
Coach Katherine Giles – Girls on the Run Central Oklahoma
Coach Katherine Giles glows with her GOTR girl, Lily, at a recent 5K Celebration.
“Girls on the Run has given me the opportunity to find my Star Power as a teacher, coach, and mom,” shared Coach Katherine. “I enjoy nothing more than seeing the strength, motivation, and positivity shining in the girls I get to run with! The connections and memories I have made over the last 10-plus seasons are so special to me. My MOST special memory was last year’s 5K with my very own girl, Lily. I do not take for granted the opportunity to grow my heart (and muscles) with my daughter! I am so proud of her and all the girls in my GOTR family!”
Coach Marnie Kazarian Olson – Girls on the Run Puget Sound
Coach Marnie (in the center wearing white) takes a smile-filled selfie with her team at the 5K Celebration.
“Marnie is phenomenal and a true GOTR champion,” said Marguerite Devine-Mraz, volunteer and engagement coordinator at Girls on the Run Puget Sound. “Since her first season in 2015, she has now coached more than 12 seasons at the school where she teaches. The longevity of the GOTR program at this school has had a lasting impact that Marnie, her team, and others are able to see and embrace every day. From thoughtfully leading lessons to creating fun beaded lap counter key chains, Marnie always puts in the time and effort to make the program special and unique to her participants. As coach and site liaison, Marnie is the driving force for GOTR in her community, and she is truly a remarkable volunteer.”
Coach Jill Scott – Girls on the Run Northeast Tennessee
Coach Jill poses proudly next to a GOTR participant after crossing the finish line.
“Jill Scott creates a space for girls to be themselves and feel empowered,” shared Angela Huffine, council director at Girls on the Run Northeast Tennessee. “Over a decade ago, Jill transitioned from being a school counselor to teaching fourth grade. Upon assuming that role, she immediately started coaching at a nearby recreation center that offered low- to no-cost after-school care.”
Angela continued, “When Jill was named ‘Educator of the Week’ by our local CBS affiliate, she spoke of her involvement with GOTR. In an article, Jill shared that she loved getting to know her students better outside of the classroom. Jill also included that she loves the way the GOTR program uses running as a tool and promotes healthy body image, communication, and feeling our feelings. As of last year, 2023-2024, Jill moved back into her middle school counseling position and now gives back as a liaison for her school’s Heart & Sole team.”
Coach Connie Kallin – Girls on the Run Northwest Washington
Coach Connie smiles brightly with her well-deserved Remarkable Volunteer Award.
“Throughout her tenure with Girls on the Run, Coach Connie has worked with (and inspired) a wide variety of teams and coaches,” shared Sharon Stone, council director at Girls on the Run Northwest Washington. “She first got involved with Girls on the Run over 10 years ago to co-coach with her daughter Renee, and continued so she could eventually coach her granddaughters, Audrey and Aliza. Across these experiences, Connie connected deeply with GOTR, staying on board even after her granddaughters aged out of the program!”
Sharon continued, “As a coach, Connie is great at keeping girls on track to meet their goals while also showing them that they matter and that they have the power to strive for more! After many seasons of head-coaching her own teams, she more recently became an occasional substitute when teams needed support. Despite moving to the role of a substitute coach in recent seasons, Connie has frequently found herself staying on full-time for the remainder of the season and falling in love with her team. It is impossible to estimate the number of hearts she has touched over the umpteen seasons with GOTR!”
Coach Maria Kretchik – Girls on the Run Cincinnati
Coach Maria radiates joy as she and a GOTR team member near the 5K finish line.
“Maria’s commitment to GOTR as a head coach for 29 seasons at the Blue Ash YMCA exemplifies dedication and passion in nurturing young minds,” shared Annie Horne, council director at Girls on the Run Cincinnati. “Her background in social work has seamlessly integrated with her coaching role, allowing her to forge meaningful connections with the children she mentors. Initially introduced to GOTR while working in schools as a social worker, Maria recognized its potential as an outlet for students’ social-emotional learning needs. This firsthand experience inspired her to continue her involvement even after transitioning from the social work profession.”
Annie added, “Her decision to become a coach at the YMCA demonstrates a profound desire to continue positively impacting children’s lives. Maria’s journey with GOTR showcases her altruistic spirit and unwavering commitment to empowering young girls. By serving as a role model and mentor, she not only fosters physical wellness through running but also instills life skills and confidence in her participants.”
Coach Cheryl Brouwer – Girls on the Run Central Oklahoma
Coach Cheryl opted to share a photo of her team members and other 5K participants at a recent 5K Celebration.
“People often ask why I coach. I am a disabled person, and unable to run, but I can walk, and I can motivate!” shared Coach Cheryl. “At GOTR, I use my personal goals and stories to let other girls know that they can participate to the best of their abilities, just as I do. I love sharing my goals and even shortcomings with the girls. We all grow together.”
Coach Beth Shier – Girls on the Run DFW Metroplex
Coach Beth with two team members after completing the 5K.
“I am a former marathon runner. I started coaching Girls on the Run about 15 years ago at my school, where I am an elementary music teacher,” said Coach Beth. “The fall 2024 season is our school’s 27th! GOTR days are some of the best parts of the week for me. I love seeing the shy, nervous girls at our first practice become a team of new friends. I love seeing them giving each other Energy Awards and creating Community Impact Projects.”
Coach Beth continued, “We have had many variations of the GOTR curriculum over the past 27 seasons, and we are all learning the Hello, Mountain Mover! curriculum together this fall! The lessons are so good, and we talk about using strategies outside of GOTR, especially as girls approach middle school. I love how the lessons provide opportunities to talk about real-life situations to use the GOTR strategies. We always talk about how the strategies are not just for us and also not just for kids; adults need the strategies, too! The girls love talking about seeing me use the strategies when they are in my classroom learning music, too (I use the Stop and Take a Breather a lot, and they always notice!).”
Coach Melanie Bowling – Girls on the Run Greater Detroit
Coach Melanie opted to share a photo of her daughter, Lauren, a GOTR alum who recently interned at NASA.
“Years ago, my daughter, Lauren, asked me if she could participate in GOTR. I said yes, being only vaguely aware of the program,” said Coach Melanie. “Lauren mentioned that the team didn’t have a coach and asked me if I could step up to the job. I agreed to lead the team. I was a strong jogger, not a runner, but I had heard about the greater aspects of the program. So, I signed up and went to the coach orientation, which brought me to tears. It was an amazing introduction to such an empowering program. From there, I called on some of my great runner mom friends and kid experts to help, and the four of us co-coached a large team our first season. What I experienced inspired me beyond measure.”
Coach Melanie added, “I continued coaching for 13 seasons. The lessons were heartfelt and appropriate for the young ladies in that stage of their lives. They thrived throughout the seasons. I had repeat students who returned to help run along with newbies and offer their insights. I’ve witnessed the skills that the girls took into middle school. They are emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger because of this program. They still contact me with life success stories, and while I am proud of them, their parents and the girls themselves should be even more proud. We all should be like them. I took away 100 times more from coaching this program than I ever put in. Sign your daughter up, coach, or volunteer. It’s the most empowering program that I have ever been a part of.”
Coach Hannah – Girls on the Run Greater Oregon
Coach Hannah brings good vibes and inspires others everywhere she goes!
“I started coaching for Girls on the Run during my senior year of high school in the spring of 2019. I did the program twice during elementary school and loved my coaches and the program, so I knew I wanted to start coaching as soon as I turned 18 and was able to,” said Hannah. “My coaches were great role models to me and my teammates and I had wanted to be just like them. Coaching these past 10 seasons has been an amazing experience. I have loved getting to know each of my kiddos. One of my favorite parts of each season has been seeing them grow, complete their 5Ks, and see that they can do anything they set their minds to.
Recently, I have started my dream job as a firefighter. I hope that as I continue to coach, I can show my teams that they can do anything. They have always reminded me that the end result is worth the effort you put into your goals, and I hope I’ll be able to inspire them to keep pushing even when things get hard. I think that anyone who wants to make a difference for a group of kiddos should try coaching and see just how much your team grows from the start to the end of the season.”
Are you ready to begin your first season of coaching? Find a council near you to get started! To learn more about all the volunteer opportunities with GOTR, check out this blog, 5 Wonderful Ways to Volunteer at Girls on the Run.
