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.

Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant

Girls on the run coach holding sign reading intuitive

Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

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.”

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Requirements

Complete our Coach Application
Consent to and complete a background check
Attend the in person New Coach Training & Appreciation Event, and complete online Coach Training modules- total approximately 6-8 hours for new coaches
Commit to the season’s 8 week practice schedule, which is 90 minutes two times per week after school for GOTR teams

Responsibilities

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

Season Details

Coach applications open October 22nd
In person Coach Training, Saturday, March 1st
Spring 2025 Season begins the week of March 9th
Girls on the Run 5K Event is on Saturday, May 3rd

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

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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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are coaches important?

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.

Do I need to be a runner or athlete to be a coach?

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!

Will there be a 5K at the end?

Yes! We host a community wide Girls on the Run 5K event that our coaches are required to attend. All GOTR participants and current coaches are already registered for the event and do not need to do anything further to participate!

Are coaches all female?

Not at all! We welcome all genders, as well as non-binary, and gender non-conforming.

Do I need to be CPR certified?

A minimum of one coach per team must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season and be present at every practice. Our staff will work with each team to ensure one coach is certified prior, or attends our free training.

I am not affiliated with a school or community center where the program occurs, can I still coach?

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.

Do I need to come up with lesson plans or workouts?

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.

When and how will I get my coaching materials?

Our council provides each program location with the curriculum and supplies needed to facilitate the season. We will contact coaches to arrange pick-up for their team’s materials.

When and where is coach training?

Coach training includes online self-paced training that takes between 3.5 - 4 hours to complete. Our new coaches are also required to attend an in person training, while returning coaches are encouraged to attend at the beginning (or stay for the entire training!) to pick up their appreciation gift and share breakfast with us!
Saturday, March 1st
Coach Training- 9:00am-12:00pm
Optional Lesson Experience- 12:15am-1:00pm
Materials Pick Up (only one coach per team needs to pick up materials)- 10:00am-1:15pm

Located at: Eastern Michigan University's Student Center, 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti, 48197
Arrival and parking details will be shared closer to the event date.

What is the time commitment of coaching?

In preparation for the season, our coaches must attend the New Coach Training (in person) and complete the Girls on the Run Learning Academy online training modules (self-led) which is approximately 5-8 hours total. Coaches must attend and lead 90-minute practices twice per week for 8 weeks. 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 project and celebratory 5K event.

When and where are practices held?

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, homes and schools. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically set in the late afternoon/early evening hours (to accommodate participants after school).

Can I choose where I coach?

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

Can I coach a team with a friend or family member?

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

Thanks 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 girls in your community, please contact us!

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