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Values Ambassador Spotlight: Girls on the Run Coaches
Baylee Yost, Cora Gouldner, Kaylyn Standfast, and Whitney Rassel were this month's Values Ambassadors
This month, we have multiple values ambassadors. Baylee Yost, Cora Gouldner, Kaylyn Standfast, and Whitney Rassel were nominated by fellow Girls on the Run coach Shelby Forrest for all the work they’ve done this season. These leaders spent months practicing with the girls in the program, ending the season with a 5K in May. They’ve helped our students build not only their athletic abilities but also their confidence.
How much work does Girls on the Run take?
Coaches have to attend a formal four-hour training with the program director. They have to be CPR certified which we do through Heartspring. They have to maintain their coaches certification through one-hour trainings every season. During the season, there are 2-3 informational zoom meetings for coaches at night.
We have to pick up program materials, shirts for the 5K, and any additional supplies on our own time to make 5K day successful.
Do you have any specific examples of them going above and beyond?
- Finding different ways to engage the girls in physical activity. Each of them has thought outside of the box and been creative in lessons to find a way to help get the girls engaged in what we are doing.
- Getting the girls to the actual lesson!
- At the 5K, Kaylyn enlisted her husband to bring a chair for one of our girls, a cooler of water and he bought Kona Ices for the girls after the race!
What are they like to work with?
Such a joy!!!!! Whitney has been a coach since the program started. We have coached 8 seasons together at least. Cora joined us for our summer session and provided tremendous ABA support because a lot of the lessons are about emotional regulation. We were so happy to have Cora continue coaching with us and adding Kaylyn and Baylee! Kaylyn and Baylee approached me and wanted to coach on their own which was super nice! This was the first season since COVID that we were able to take the girls into the community for the 5k. It was really great to have so many coaches this season. Whitney and I appreciate their willingness to jump in and coach with us! Their positivity and encouragement of the girls and each of us is a huge motivator and why we have enjoyed the program for eight seasons strong!
