We are now accepting Coach applications for the Spring 2012 season! Our application deadline has been extended until Monday, February 13, 2012.

Click here to fill out and submit an online application. 

If you prefer to mail or fax your application: Click here to download a New Coach application. Click here to download a Returning Coach application

Questions about coaching? Email Becky Antilla at becky@girlsrun.org.

Please see coach position description to read a description of the coach position.

Coaches do not have to be runners!

Volunteer coaches work directly with the 3rd-5th grade girls in the Girls on the Run program by leading the girls through fun & active lessons while helping them prepare for the non-competitive 5K event at the end of the season! Read what past coaches have said about their experience:

“I really loved watching the girls evolve and come to be kinder and stronger to themselves and their teammates. Every young girl wants to have someone come alongside her and say, ‘Way to go! I knew you could do it!’ What a privilege to be that person in these young girls’ lives!”

“As a first-time coach I felt really supported and well-prepared by the GOTR organization and will definitely volunteer to coach another group of amazing girls!”

“[Through coaching] I was able to fulfill my person goal of being a positive influence for girls in those critical years prior to the challenges of middle school”

“I can’t tell you how much I will forever be changed by my experience working with these AMAZING girls. I can’t wait to volunteer again (and again! and again! and again!)!!!”

Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching

Do coaches have to create lessons or is there an established curriculum?
Coaches do not create lessons. Coaches facilitate an easy-to-follow, well researched, copyrighted curriculum that is used by all Girls on the Run councils throughout the United States and Canada.

Do coaches have to be runners?
No, coaches do not have to be runners. Any woman who lives a healthy lifestyle and is committed to improving the lives of girls can serve as a coach.

When is the program offered and how long is the program?
Program seasons happen twice a year: Fall (September – December) and Spring (March – May). Each program season is about 10 weeks long.

How many girls and coaches are in each group?
There are 8-15 girls and 2-3 coaches in each group.

What days and times does the program meet?
Each group meets twice a week for 90 minutes after school during the 10 week program season. The days they meet vary from group to group. Each group generally meets between the 3:00pm – 5:00pm time frame. For a list of program locations with the days and times they meet click here.

Where does the program take place?
Our program takes places at various schools and community centers in King and Snohomish Counties. For a list of program locations with the days and times they meet, click here.

What are the start and end dates for the Fall 2011 season?
Starts: Either Monday, March 5th or Tuesday, March 6th depending on the days a program meets
Ends: Either Monday, May 21st or Tuesday, May 22nd depending on the days a program meets
5K: The Girls on the Run 5K will take place on Saturday, May 19th. Coaches attend the event from 8:30am-12:00pm. The actual 5K starts at 10:00am.

How do I become a coach?
To become a coach, first please read through the coach position description. Then fill out and submit an application. New coaches are required to attend a one-hour group interview and a six-hour training. New Coaches are also required to provide three references and consent to a background check.

What is the expected time commitment for coaches?
During the program season, coaches should expect to volunteer an average of 4-6 hours per week. This includes: 3 hours of practice, time on-site before and after practice, commute to program site, curriculum preparation, snack purchasing/preparation, as well as communication with coach team, girls’ families, and GOTR staff.

What are the requirements and responsibilities for coaches?
Coach requirements and responsibilities can be found on the coach position description.

What is the difference between a Lead Coach and a Co-Coach?
We encourage all coaches for the same group to work together as a team by sharing certain responsibilities. However, there are certain duties that must be designated to and lead by one coach. You can view the different and similar responsibilities on the coach position description.

If I have further questions about coaching, who do I contact?
If you have further questions about coaching, please contact Becky Antilla, Program Manager, at 206-528-2118 or becky@girlsrun.org.

If I have further questions about the program, who do I contact?
If you have further questions about the program, we suggest reading the Our Program section on our website. Also, you may want to read more about the program on the website for Girls on the Run International. If you would like to speak with a staff member about the program, please email info@girlsrun.org or call 206-528-2118.