Many people ask us what “it takes” to be a coach for one of our programs. The answer is simply that you must have the desire to make a difference in the lives of girls! Of course, there is a time commitment and training that is required, but at the very core, the one thing that all coaches need is the desire to make a difference.
Our girls need to see themselves in their coaches. Just as our girls have varying degrees of physical ability, so do our coaches. Just as our girls come from different backgrounds, so do our coaches. Just as our girls have a variety of hopes, dreams and ambitions, so do our coaches!
Here’s what just a few of our brand new coaches from last season said about being a coach:
“I see what girls have to put up with these days…the pressures, fads, social media and high expectations. I spent my middle school, and high school years so uncomfortable in my body. I just wanted to be a positive role model and instill strength and confidence that is untouchable by anything. It has been an amazing experience!” -Coach from Oakland county
“I was interested in helping foster the girls with a healthy body image, self-confidence, and self-esteem while empowering them to stand up to peer pressure and bullies, armed with the tools of problem-solving, star power, and teamwork. I was empowered, too!” -Coach from Macomb county
“I wish I had this program available to me growing up! As an avid runner/CrossFitter, I think Girls on the Run is an awesome way to get girls involved in physical activity while more importantly giving them confidence! I would not be who I am today if I didn’t have sports in my life growing up. My hope is that I could become a role model to young girls and teach them to be positive, open-minded, kind and adventurous.” -Coach from Wayne county
Our hope is to recruit and train new coaches every season that are as diverse as the girls we serve! You have what it takes! Find out more about coaching here: https://www.gotrdetroit.org/get-involved
Photo: Primary school girls attend practice with Girls on the Run in Brooklyn, NY, Nov. 17, 2016.
(photo by Kate Lord)
