Coach | GOTR Michiana

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
Girls on the Run participants surround a GOTR Coach.
tape
Girls on the run coach writes on a participant's hand during an outdoor practice.
tape
Girls on the Run coach and participant work on their community impact project.

tape
coach quote

“I have 4 daughters. I keep coming back because I believe in the program. I love the connection between exercise and social-emotional and mental health. I think all of that's really important.”

<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.
  • Consent to and complete a background check.
  • Attend and finish Coach Training.
  • Commit to the season’s practice schedule, which is two times per week after school  
  • New to coaching: Welcome! New Coach Applications are now open. Apply below!
  • Returning Coaches: Confirm your return below!

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

  • Heart & Sole will begin the week of March 4
  • Girls on the Run will begin the week of March 11
  • Please submit your application before December 9  to ensure your team's registration opens!
  • New Coach Training information: Trainings will be held in January and February
  • End of season 5K dates: May 11 in Elkhart and May 18 in South Bend  

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

57665,57666,57667

Fifth-year Girls on the Run coach Faith

"I always tell people Girls on the Run is the best thing I've ever volunteered for. I've volunteered for a lot of things over the years, but it's just so well done."

Coach Faith

First-year Girls on the Run coach Sarah

"I believe in having a coach who is actively encouraging and supportive and who tells you that you are fully capable."

Coach Sarah

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!

 

No. Here's our policy:

  • Our Head Coaches can be female or male.
  • Head Coaches have to be 21 years or older.
  • All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

Head coaches must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session and be present at every practice (Training can be provided at no cost if needed).

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.  

Coach training includes online self-paced training and an in-person training sessions available in South Bend and Elkhart. New coach training takes place in January and February.

Coaches attend and lead 75 to 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks. Typical commitment is 3-4 hours per week. To provide a consistent experience to participants, your commitment is crucial to prepare and collaborate with co-coaches to facilitate fun, successful lessons.

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers 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). 

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach, but we can't always guarantee placement. Please plan on indicating more than one preference when registering. 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 three or more trained coaches. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant, please let us know 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

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

57671

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!

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!

yellow heart yellow heart