Meet Coach Sonia from Post Road Elementary School: A Passion for Fitness and Empowerment

How many seasons have you coached, and what keeps you coming back each year?
“I’ve coached for six seasons, and what keeps me coming back year after year is the incredible impact the program has on the girls in our school. Every year, we have a waitlist to join our team, and I want as many girls as possible to experience this amazing program and the incredible accomplishment of completing a 5K. Seeing the girls’ growth and confidence build throughout the season is what drives me.”

What motivated you to get involved as a coach?
“As a teacher and a certified personal trainer, fitness has always been a passion of mine. I didn’t discover the true value of fitness until adulthood, but now, movement is a daily part of my life. Growing up, I struggled with low self-esteem and bullying, and I wish we had a program like Girls on the Run to help me realize how empowering exercise can be. I’ve completed several half marathons, 25 Spartan Races, and countless 5Ks, and I feel unstoppable. I want the girls to experience that same sense of empowerment.”

What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as a Girls on the Run coach?
“One season, we did a community impact project where the girls made cards and collected toys for children at the Maria Ferrara Children’s Hospital. To see how invested the girls became in bringing joy to those children was incredibly moving. They created flyers, made video trailers, and organized the entire project. The response from the school community was overwhelming, and the girls were so proud of what they accomplished. Their empathy and dedication to making a difference gave me so much hope for the future.”

Can you share a story about how the program has positively impacted a participant (a girl, parent, or volunteer)?
“A parent approached me after the season to thank me for coaching. She said her daughter had struggled with anxiety and always felt like she didn’t fit in. Through Girls on the Run, her daughter found a sense of belonging and made new friends—friends she wouldn’t have met otherwise. The program helped her daughter feel like part of a team, and the mom was incredibly grateful for the impact it had on her child’s confidence.”

What do you enjoy most about being a coach for Girls on the Run?
“What I love most is watching the girls grow—from the first day of practice to the Celebration 5K. It’s such a beautiful, positive, and uplifting event that showcases everything the girls have worked for. The camaraderie and team spirit we build throughout the season are so rewarding, and seeing them accomplish something they’re proud of fills me with so much joy.”

What advice would you give to new coaches just starting out with Girls on the Run?
“My advice would be to take time before practice to connect with the girls. Ask how they’re feeling, what’s going on in their lives, and engage with them. The questions in the coach’s guide are a great way to break the ice and start meaningful conversations. Building relationships early creates an environment where the girls feel comfortable and excited to be part of the team.”

Do you have any tips for someone considering coaching but unsure if it’s the right fit for them?
“Just do it! Coaching is incredibly rewarding. Yes, it takes time and energy, but it’s so worth it. Coaching brings me joy and helps me grow as a person. The impact you can have on the girls’ lives is immeasurable, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.”

Why You Should Consider Becoming a Coach

As you can see, being a Girls on the Run coach is more than just teaching girls how to run. It’s about empowering them to discover their inner strength, teaching them valuable life skills, and giving them the tools to face challenges with confidence. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of young girls and want to be part of something truly transformative, consider becoming a Girls on the Run coach today. Applications for our Spring 2025 season are open!

Check back next week for another inspiring coach spotlight—together, we can inspire the next generation of girls to reach for their dreams!