Meet our May Girl Heroes! This month, we are highlighting some very special volunteers, our Coach Ambassadors! At Girls on the Run Puget Sound, Coach Ambassadors are seasoned GOTR coaches who are passionate and committed to the program. They support volunteers and teams across King County by visiting practices, delivering materials, and being a mentor for our new GOTR coaches.
This spring, there are five Coach Ambassadors across King County serving different regions to provide additional support. Hannah, Kelley, Kinsey, Laura, and Simone have each been supporting their regions since February and helped them navigate the Spring Season. Get to know our Coach Ambassadors:
Hannah Bauer: I first coached a Girls on the Run team in Mount Vernon, WA over 10 years ago and I've loved the GOTR program ever since. Girls on the Run was such a transformative and impactful program for the girls at that school, and this holds true at every school I visit today. I love GOTR and would highly encourage anyone interested to reach out about getting involved next season!
Kelley Nguyen: Girls on the Run is about many things but focuses on (1) Joy, (2) Exploring possibilities; and (3) Acquiring some navigation skills that will benefit anyone for a lifetime! Serving as a GOTR Coach Ambassador is a wonderful way to connect with coaches and participants supporting and encouraging them to thrive and learn about themselves, their potential, their friends, and their progress in so many ways beyond just physical strength. For anyone considering volunteering with GOTR, it is an amazing opportunity to witness transformation in young girls as well further your own lifelong learning and connections with incredible people from all walks of life. Join us! You'll be glad you did!
Kinsey Martin: My favorite thing about Girls on the Run is seeing each participant grow in their self-confidence throughout the course of a season. I feel so lucky to get to work with the staff, volunteers and coaches who make it all possible!
Laura Willett: I started with Girls on the Run 9 years ago as a coach and have stayed involved on and off over the years. Now, getting to experience the program with my daughter participating has made it even more meaningful. This season, as a Coach Ambassador, it has been so rewarding to witness teams working together, being creative with the resources they have, and empowering girls in our community. It’s been a privilege to support coaches this year, and if you’re considering volunteering, know that you won’t be alone—there is such a strong community of people ready to help and support you along the way.
Simone Porter: I became a Girls on the Run Coach because GOTR instills confidence, joy, and resiliency in the youth. I love experiencing the girls' joy when they complete lap goals, understand the assignment and joyfully interact with each other. I implore anyone considering volunteering with GOTR to just do it or start by being a superstar supporter. GOTR supports you in any way you can support them! The impact you have on even one of the girls is long lasting and worth it!
Thank you, Coach Ambassadors💖