BU Undergraduates Coach for Girls on the Run

“We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”  

This is the mission of the national Girls on the Run (GOTR) program.  Four BU undergraduates taking Psychology of Sport this semester, have volunteered their time and made a 10 week commitment to help young girls better themselves physically and psychologically by learning life skills through sport.  Janel Bruno (COST Undeclared) and Alyssa Smith (Health Sciences) coached third through fifth grade girls at Memorial Elementary School and Alexa Diaz (Exercise Science) and Katie Rafter (Exercise Science) coached at W. W. Evans Elementary School.

Alyssa Smith talks with a student

Janel Bruno and student take a cool down lap

Through meeting to practice two times a week, the girls learn the value of teamwork, healthy relationships and how they can have a positive impact on the world.  This physical activity teaches an appreciation for fitness and healthy habits early in life and hopefully will continue as they grow.  The season culminated with the celebratory, non-competitive Girls on the Run Greater Susquehanna Valley 5K which was held at The Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness in Lewisburg on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

The transformation and inspiration of GOTR is shared by athletes and coaches alike.

Katie Rafter and Alexa Diaz at the 5K celebration

“My overall experience as a first time coach for Girls on the Run was nothing but remarkable. Taking valuable lessons and turning them into intriguing activities allowed the girls to practice these important life lessons while having fun. The head coaches were great to work with; they provided the new coaches with plenty of knowledge while also creating a fun environment for the girls. The girls are so welcoming and wonderful to be around; I definitely learned a lesson or two from them! I couldn't have been more grateful for this opportunity and would without a doubt sign up to be a coach for a second time!” (Alexa Diaz, Exercise Science Major)

“This was my first season coaching GOTR and my overall experience was very beneficial. I loved working with the girls and my fellow coaches: Alexa, Stephanie, and Libby. The girls were always so excited to be there and welcomed me into WW Evans Elementary School. My experience was positive and the girls always brightened up my day. I enjoyed watching the girls grow each week and loved learning new things about them. I am so fortunate for this experience and being able to be a role model to these young girls. I am looking forward to participating in GOTR in the future!” (Katie Rafter, Exercise Science Major)