Coach

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

tape
Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant
tape
Girls on the run coach holding sign reading intuitive
tape
Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

tape
coach quote

“Being a coach has impacted me in a positive way. I feel more empowered and confident. All the lessons are lessons that even we as adults can learn from. I love the program.”

<ul> <li>Vous devez avoir au moins 18&nbsp;ans.</li> <li>Remplissez notre candidature d&rsquo;animateur.</li> <li>Consentez &agrave; une v&eacute;rification des ant&eacute;c&eacute;dents et fourni

Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Complete our Coach Application.
  • Consent to and complete a background check.
  • Complete all GOTR Coach Training prior to the start of the season. (All training provided and paid for by GOTR)
    • GOTR National Coach Training (blended online/in-person model)
    • CPR/First Aid Certification (blended online/in-person model)
    • Online Michigan Sports Concussion Training 
  • Have availability to attend practices two times per week after school for 90 minutes.  

Responsibilities

  • Review, prepare and co-lead weekly lessons (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run).
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery.
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants. 
  • Commit for the entire season (practices and end-of-season 5K event).
  • Have fun while serving as a role model for program participants.

Season Details

  • New and Returning coach applications will open October 7th.
  • Lottery style girl registration will open November 6th - November 25th.
  • In-person New Coach Training will be held in February at the GOTR Office in Kalamazoo.  New Coaches must attend ONE in-person training session.
    • February 21st, 9am-1pm
    • February 22nd, 8:30am-12:30pm
  • 2025 Spring Season kicks off the week of March 17th, 2025.
  • Celebratory 5K event will take place on May 17th. 
  • A final celebration practice for all teams will take place the week of May 19th. 

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

5255,5256,5257

A Girls on the Run is smiling at the camera wearing a blue program shirt

"Watching the girls in terms of what they have learned has been really fun this season. I think the best thing they have learned as a group is to have trust in each other and to communicate with each other about how they feel."

Coach Kaylyn

A Girls on the Run coach smiles while holding a program medal at the 5K

"As a coach, I just really realized how important it is to pour into this generation of girls and lift them up."

Coach Shayla

A Girls on the Run program coach smiles at the camera outdoors.

"It’s the girls’ smiles that inspire and motivate me."

Coach Mo

True

Frequently Asked Questions

There are girls who need YOU to help them unleash their power and potential. If you are considering coaching, ask yourself: What better gift can you give to the next generation than inspiring confidence and a strong sense of self?

  • Almost 100% of girls said their Girls on the Run coaches care about them.
  • 99% of coaches agreed that the coaching experience was valuable for them.
  • 96% of coaches said they felt they formed positive relationships with the girls on their team.
  • 94% of Girls on the Run coaches said they felt like they were making a difference in their girls’ lives.
 

No! Girls on the Run provides the training, curriculum and supplies needed to safely lead a team for a season! You simply need to be a motivating role model for your team. Many of our coaches participate in their first 5K alongside their team!

 

We welcome all adults who are committed to ensuring girls reach their limitless potential! 

  • All coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

All GOTRGK Coaches must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season. GOTRGK will provide the training at no cost to you! 

Yes! Community coaches are individuals not directly affiliated with a school or community location who support the Girls on the Run mission. Community coaches are placed according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional coaches.

No! We provide you with training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season! You should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team.

Our council provides each program location with the curriculum and supplies needed to facilitate the season. We will coordinate with our site liaisons to pick-up each team's materials before the start of the season. 

Coaches must complete all required training prior to the start of the season. During the season, coaches will attend two 90-minute practices per week for 8 weeks. (Allowing an additional 10 minutes prior to practice for setup and 10 minutes after practice for cleanup and girl pick-up). To provide a consistent experience to participants, your commitment is crucial to prepare and collaborate with co-coaches to facilitate fun, successful lessons. Each season culminates with a team-led community impact project and celebratory 5K event.  

Schools and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday after school. 

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach during the coach application. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need. 

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant, please mention this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Merci d’envisager d’accepter le rôle vital d’animateur bénévole pour Girls on the Run. Si vous avez toujours des questions sur la façon de débloquer le pouvoir et le potentiel des filles de votre communauté, veuillez communiqu

Thank you for considering the vital role of serving as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run! If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential of girls in your community, please contact us.

Email Us

GetInvolved

More ways to

get involved

Want to get involved with Girls on the Run, but can't commit to serving as a coach right now? We have opportunities for everyone!

Volunteer
Get involved with Girls on the Run

136191

yellow heart yellow heart yellow heart yellow heart
Smiling Girls on the Run participant in wheelchair writing as kneeling coach helps

Unlock Potential

Love what you learned about our program and coaches? Sign your girl up today!

Register
Smiling Girls on the Run participant hugging another smiling participant from behind
yellow heart

Unlock Potential

Smiling Girls on the Run participant in wheelchair writing as kneeling coach helps

Love what you learned about our program and coaches? Sign your girl up today!

Register
yellow heart yellow heart