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.

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

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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.  Junior coach opportunties are also available for girls ages 16-17.
  • Consent to and complete a background check.
  • Complete our National New Coach Training program, a blended model of online modules and a three hour in-person session. 
  • Commit to the season’s practice schedule, which is two times per week after school for 75-90 minutes.  A coach commitment of 2x/week is preferred; at least 1x/week is required. 
  • Click here to view our complete coach role description

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 end-of-season 5K event).
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants. 

Season Details

If you are interested in coaching during our spring season, please complete this volunteer interest form and we will be in touch with more information.  This form is for community members not affilaited with a particular school as a parent or staff member.  If you are already connected to a school, your site liaison will share sign up information with you in January.

If you are interested in starting a new site, please visit the Starting a Site page of our website.

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

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!

 

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.

No. But here is our policy:

  • At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
  • Our Head Coach must be female.
  • All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Junior Coaches must be at least 16 years of age and female.

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 contact coaches to arrange pick-up for their team’s materials.  

All new coaches are required to complete our National New Coach Training program, a blended model of online modules and a three hour in-person session. New coaches must attend one of the following training sessions: 

  • August 20th, 5-8 PM, Rite-Hite Headquarters, 195 S. Rite-Hite Way, Milwaukee
  • August 22nd, 1-4 PM, Rite-Hite Headquarters, 195 S. Rite-Hite Way, Milwaukee
  • September 7th, 9 AM-12 PM, Elm Grove Women's Club, 13885 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove


 

Coaches must attend and lead 75 to 90-minute practices once or 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.  

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, and schools. Practice times vary by site, but most teams meet immediately after school.

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. 

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches, and sometimes a Junior Coach. 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!

Email Us

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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!

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Unlock Potential

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

Learn about our Programs!
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Unlock Potential

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

Learn about our Programs!
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