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! You absolutely do not need to be a runner or athlete.

Girls on the Run provides all the training, curriculum, and supplies needed to safely lead a team for a season. You simply need to have a desire to be a motivating role model for your team. Many of our Junior Coaches and coaches participate in their first 5K right alongside their team!

Your reference must not be an immediate family member.

We encourage you to choose a community member, such as a teacher, mentor, non-family coach, or family friend, who can accurately and positively share information about your commitment and character with Girls on the Run.

Yes, you can request this, but please note: We typically try to assign only one Junior Coach per team to maximize leadership opportunities.

Each team is led by two to three adult coaches (plus one Junior Coach). If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant (such as a parent/guardian or family friend), please mention this request clearly in your application, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The time commitment varies based on the season you choose, but consistent attendance is crucial to provide a stable, positive experience for participants.

Spring Program Commitment

• Attendance: Attend and support practices twice per week (each practice is 90 minutes).

• Duration: The season lasts 8 weeks and culminates with a team-led community project and a celebratory 5K event.

Summer Camp Commitment

• Attendance: Attend the 4-hour daily session for a minimum of 3 of the 5 days of camp.

• Duration: Each camp lasts 1 week and culminates with an arts and crafts show displaying the girls' work around the camp theme.

Your commitment is vital for collaborating with co-coaches and preparing fun, successful lessons.

Yes, you may indicate your preferred coaching site during the application process.

Placement Policy: If you have no site preference, we will assign you to a location that is most in need and is close to your geographical location.

Yes! We welcome applicants who are not affiliated with a host school or community center.

Junior Coaches are placed at sites that need additional support based on your geographic location and availability.

Practice Locations: While our teams mainly practice at local schools, locations may also include designated parks, recreation and community centers, or specific homes.The specific location is approved prior to participant registration each season.

Practice Times: Practice times are typically set in the late afternoon/early evening hours to accommodate participants immediately after school.

No! We provide you with comprehensive training, curriculum, and all necessary supplies, everything needed to coach a safe and successful season! As a junior coach, you should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team.

Mandatory Junior Coach training consists of two components:

1. Online Training (Self-Paced): Approximately 4 hours of self-paced modules to be completed through the Learning Academy.

2. In-Person Training (Required): A 3-hour session held at our office located at 636 N. Colorado St., Kennewick, WA 99336. These sessions are typically scheduled in February and early March.

Attendance Policy:

• New Jr. Coaches: Attendance at one in-person session is mandatory and is a one-time requirement.

• Returning Jr. Coaches: You do not need to attend the in-person training again. However, if you would like a refresher, please contact us to request attendance.

Your Council provides each program location with the full curriculum and all necessary supplies needed to facilitate the season.

Method: We will contact you directly via email to arrange the pick-up or distribution of your team’s materials. This usually occurs right after the mandatory coach training is complete.

No, not every coach needs to be certified.

Policy: A minimum of one coach per team must have current CPR and First Aid certification on file with the GOTR Council by the first session of the season. This certified coach must be present at every practice and the end-of-season 5K event.

(Note: We encourage all coaches to consider getting certified for the safety of their teams.)