This Spring 2026 season, we are celebrating something incredibly special — 9 former participants have returned to the program, now serving as Girls on the Run or Heart & Sole coaches.
Once participants themselves, these young women built confidence, formed meaningful friendships, and discovered their own potential. Today, they are showing up as coaches, supporting girls, and helping create that same positive, empowering experience for others.
This is what lasting impact looks like. This is the power of Girls on the Run coming full circle.
Meet a few of our Spring 2026 alumni coaches:
🌟Coach Erika🌟
“Girls on the Run impacted me as a participant by teaching me the skills I needed as a young girl to be confident, empathetic, and open to new experiences and situations. I chose to come back as a coach this season because the impact Girls on the Run made on me has lasted for many years. The skills gained from Girls on the Run helped me later pursue running cross country in high school and follow my dream of becoming a teacher. I am beyond thrilled to be a coach this season and to see the influence Girls on the Run has on an entirely new generation!”
🌟Coach Maryam🌟
“There is a quote I love from Helen Keller: ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Girls on the Run gave me the experience of being on a team — I even had my sister as a teammate. Having someone by your side makes every mile easier and every goal feel reachable. I chose to return as a coach this season hoping the girls will enjoy being part of a team, too, and so that none of them run their race alone.”
🌟Coach Brianna🌟
“Girls on the Run was more than an after-school program for me — it was a place where I grew in confidence and learned the power of positive self-talk, teamwork, and perseverance. It showed me that strength comes from the inside and that I am capable of hard things. I returned as a coach because I want to help girls discover that same inner strength and carry it with them long after they cross the finish line.”
🌟Coach Maysn🌟
“Girls on the Run brought out my confidence and gave me tools that I still carry with me into adulthood. It helped me find my voice — to say, ‘I feel… when you… because…’ and to communicate with clarity and courage.
That experience stayed with me, which is why I chose to coach this year. I want to help inspire young girls to believe in themselves, build confidence, and trust their inner strength. I also hope to equip them with practical tools to navigate friendships and challenges — especially in today’s world of social media — with kindness, resilience, and self-assurance.”
🌟Coach Talia🌟
“My name is Talia, and this is my second season coaching. I coach because I believe it’s important to help girls build confidence, resilience, and a positive relationship with exercise. Both physical and mental strength are essential in their day-to-day lives. I love watching the girls grow and support each other — those friendships are so rewarding. I can’t wait to celebrate them at the 5K in April!”
When girls return to coach, it tells us something powerful: the lessons learned here last.
They last through middle school, high school, college, careers, and beyond. They shape how young women lead, communicate, support others, and believe in themselves.
And now, those same lessons are being passed on to a new generation of girls.
That’s impact.