Coaching Girls on the Run has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What started as a simple volunteer opportunity quickly became a journey of self-discovery, growth, and a deeper understanding of what leadership truly means.

Coaching changed the way I see leadership and the way I show up in the world and it can do the same for you. If you have the time and heart to give, I promise the rewards are worth it. You’ll grow in ways you never expected, and the leadership skills you gain will stay with you long after the season ends.

Lead with Heart: Show Up and Say Yes

Leadership looks different for everyone, but one thing is clear: the best leaders show up and lead with heart.

Coaching isn’t always easy. Each season comes with its own mix of personalities, surprises, and moments that test your patience. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned that strong leaders stay calm in chaos, seek solutions instead of shortcuts, and show up with heart, even when things are hard.

I still remember my first Girls on the Run 5K in Iowa City, IA in 2019. The weather was cold and rainy, yet the joy radiating from the girls, coaches, volunteers, and supporters was undeniable. That day, I witnessed the magic of this program and experienced a shift in how I understood leadership. Since then, coaching over five seasons across two councils, I’ve seen how saying yes and showing up with heart creates a safe space for joy to grow.

Structure Guides, Flexibility Inspires

Girls on the Run provides coaches with a thoughtful, research-backed curriculum. Every practice is mapped out, complete with setup instructions and prompts. That structure is incredibly helpful, especially for new coaches.

True leadership, however, doesn’t come from sticking to a script. It comes from adapting in the moment. There’s no manual for every situation—or every girl. Leadership means tuning in, adjusting, and showing up in ways that matter most.

During my first season, I coached a small team of seven girls at a community center outside Boston, MA. A few needed constant one-on-one support, and I found myself worrying: Was I giving too much attention to a few?

That season taught me something profound. Leadership isn’t about treating everyone the same, it’s about meeting people where they are. Once I let go of the idea that “equal” meant “fair,” I was able to connect more deeply. By season’s end, the girls who had needed extra encouragement were voted “Most Improved” by their coaches and teammates. Watching them grow reminded me that flexibility and compassion are key traits of strong leaders.

Lead with Strength and Softness

This past season, I had the chance to coach alongside two amazing teachers. Watching them work with the girls was like attending a masterclass in leadership. Their calm, kind presence reminded me that great leadership isn’t always loud or directive. It’s also about listening deeply, stepping back when needed, and cheering loudly at just the right time.

Of course, there was drama on the team. With a group of 20 third- to fifth-grade girls, emotions run high. Those moments became opportunities to practice leadership with both compassion and clarity. In those tough moments, my co-coaches led with heart and showed me how challenges can be transformed into meaningful moments of growth and empowerment.

Be the Leader that Believes in People

One moment I’ll never forget happened at our end-of-season 5K. A third grader from my team came up to me, eyes wide with fear, and said she wasn’t sure she could do it. I knelt beside her and reminded her she was stronger than she thought. I asked her to show me that strength. She struck a power pose, flexed her muscles, and smiled, saying she felt amazing.

Later, I placed a finisher’s medal around her neck as she crossed the finish line, full of pride and confidence. Beaming, she told me she now knew she could accomplish anything, even when it feels scary. That moment reminded me of the leader I want to be: someone who helps others tap into their inner strength and believe in what they’re capable of.

Joy is a Leadership Strategy

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that joy is contagious. I once heard someone say, “Catching feelings is easier than catching a cold,” and that idea has stayed with me because it’s so true. When I bring energy and joy to practice—jumping, dancing, maybe being a little over the top—the girls respond. They light up, lean in, and open up.

This is just as true at events and in a professional setting. When the Girls on the Run staff arrive at GOTR events with big smiles and positive energy, it sets the tone for the whole event. That energy shapes how people respond and how they feel afterward—not just about the organization, but about themselves. It’s what turns simple 5Ks into joyful celebrations everyone remembers. To me, that’s leadership: creating a space where people feel inspired, welcomed, and joyful.

Leadership Takes Many Forms—But the Heart Stays the Same

Leadership takes many forms, but its heart stays the same: show up with intention, lead with joy, and never underestimate the power of encouragement.

Coaching Girls on the Run has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. The lessons I’ve learned—from navigating challenges to celebrating triumphs—have made me a stronger, more compassionate leader. And for that, I will always be grateful.