In this Share Your Story submission, we spoke with Talia W. about her experience growing as a GOTR team member to glowing as a GOTR Junior Coach
When 8-year-old Talia first joined a Girls on the Run team in third grade, she had no idea how much the program would shape her perspective on life. As an only child who had participated in competitive dance and horseback riding as her primary extracurricular activities, Talia was new to running and team-based athletic after-school programming. But when a representative from Girls on the Run Sierras gave a presentation about the program at her school, she felt compelled to try it, believing that it might help her feel more confident and make more friends. She also loved that the program was girls-only, as that environment would allow her to feel like she could be herself in this brand-new setting. Now, 10 years later, the program’s impact has extended well beyond her seasons as a participant and ultimately led her to become a Junior Coach.
Talia (in the blue shirt) with her teammates during her experience as a program participant.
Finding her Star Power
After the first few weeks of Talia’s inaugural season, she discovered that Girls on the Run was about much more than running. Between the older teammates and caring coaches whom she looked up to, Talia felt included and inspired to give it her all.
Yes, she learned how to pace herself, set lap goals, and find joy in movement, but the parts of practice that shined the brightest for Talia were the life lessons. Most memorable were her interactions with Coach Joy. Talia shared, “Coach Joy taught me how to consider others while considering myself, how to present myself, and how to take care of my body.”
Other topics that stood out most significantly to her were Empathy and Stop and Take a Breather, which she still employs today as a 16-year-old high school junior. Talia told us, “I use the Stop and Take a Breather tool whenever I am in pressing situations in school, thinking about my career, or with family members. It is the most useful tool and one that is great for people to learn when they are young.”
By the end of her first season, thanks to the encouragement of her coaches and teammates, Talia achieved her 5K goals and set her upward spiral of confidence in motion. She became a more compassionate and a better friend, discovered a love of running, a greater appreciation of the outdoors, and a desire to keep GOTR close to her heart.
GOTR girl-aged Talia with her team after completing their Community Impact Project.
From team member to leader
Talia participated in Girls on the Run from third through fifth grade, never missing a season. As each season passed, she continued to grow as a runner, friend, and community member. By the time Talia reached 8th grade, she sought other ways to stay involved with the organization that had greatly enriched her life. That is when she learned about becoming a Junior Coach for her local team. Without missing a beat, Talia signed up, eager to give back to the GOTR community that shaped her. She went from being a participant who looked up to her coaches and older peers to being a role model herself.
Drawing from her individual experiences, Talia was able to offer authentic, first-hand advice and encouragement to younger girls. Through that experience, she began to feel the unique benefits of volunteerism. For instance, Talia noticed a new appreciation for her teachers. Talia shared, “Junior coaching has benefitted me at school because I have a greater understanding of the value of teaching. I appreciate teachers, their knowledge, and their offers to help.”
Coach Talia (back row, third person in) posing with her team from Camp GOTR.
Setting an example and growing in the process
Throughout her seasons as a Junior Coach, Talia has fostered close connections with the girls, becoming a consistent support system and growing into more than a coach. Talia explained, “I enjoy reminding the girls of the lessons, and through that act, I better understand the lessons and grow increasingly as I get older. I feel I can take on more positions of responsibility, and I am proud to have evolved from a helper to a doer.”
With this experience and emotional intelligence, Talia embodies the values of the lessons and shows participants the power of the program. When Talia coached Camp GOTR, she shared, “This summer at Camp GOTR, I was able to bond even more with the girls because it was a bigger group, which created a united experience. Altogether, the girls grew as individuals and with each other and were so creative in such a short period of time. I was excited to step up and be responsible for 10 team members. Being in charge made me step out of my comfort zone.”
In addition to giving back as a GOTR coach, Talia makes a difference volunteering at Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy, where she works with therapy horses and communicates with many guests. “At Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy, I can use the conversational and emotional skills I learned at GOTR to interact with people,” Talia said, “I use my Star Power to greet and be kind to our guests and the other workers. I also have the skills to recognize other people’s emotions and comfort levels around horses and stand up for myself if I feel pushed.”
Talia and Joy Heuer, executive director and coach at Girls on the Run Sierras, at an event in which Talia spoke about her experience.
Looking ahead
As an individual with a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, Talia encourages people of all ages to give back to their communities. She specifically shared why folks should consider coaching at Girls on the Run. “It is important to see how the next generation is doing and spread your wisdom and life experiences with them. You can teach them what you might not have known and see how that growth might affect them. This is particularly important for girls who may act out. By volunteering, you can instead support their growth and, in turn, grow more yourself.”
One specific volunteer continues to motivate Talia and every goal she sets—Coach Joy. Talia gushed, “Joy is my biggest inspiration. She reminds me that I matter. She reminds me that I can make an impact. She’s always been the person who was there to empower me, give me so many opportunities, and know that the sky is the limit.”
With the momentum and support of Coach Joy and Talia’s Star Power, she has no plans to slow down her volunteerism. As a junior in high school, she is beginning to think about what is next after she graduates. A lover of the great outdoors (which she embraces at Girls on the Run and Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy), she is interested in studying science or any subjects that gets her in nature but is still open to other possibilities. No matter what avenue she pursues, it is undeniable that her future will be as remarkable as her dedication to Girls on the Run.
Are you interested in giving back to your community as a coach? Click here to learn about more opportunities near you! And for more coach stories like Talia’s, visit our blog!
