Coming off a successful 5K at Millersville University in November, Katie Sandoe, executive director of Girls on the Run (GOTR) Lancaster, and Jen West, program director, are excited about the 2022 season. "We are looking ahead to spring," said West. "We are excited to be back to a 10-week season in person."

Indeed, the program hopes to have teams in every Lancaster County school district for the spring semester, and coaches will be needed to help make that happen. "We are really looking for the support of the community and for coaches to get involved (because) the need will be greater than ever to serve more girls this spring," said West. Teams have also formed at community sites, such as parks and churches.

Coaching requires a commitment of up to three hours a week, and Sandoe noted that GOTR coaches need not be teachers. "The majority of sites are schools, but you don't have to be a teacher to coach," she said. "We would love that our coaches reflect the community that we serve," she said, adding that coaches need not even live within the district where they coach. West added that mothers, fathers, and community members can be coaches. "You don't have to be a runner," she said. "We welcome anybody and everybody to coach girls."

Volunteer GOTR coaches receive benefits, including guaranteeing a daughter a spot on a team and receiving a discount for her registration. Free CPR and first aid training are offered, and all coaches are trained to lead teams. "It's a chance to be a positive role model and inspiration to the girls - a leader and someone to talk to," said West.

According to Sandoe, coaches have told her that they witness positive changes in team members. "They say, 'I have seen how it transforms how the girls think about themselves and each other and their attitudes,'" she reported, adding that teachers have told her they believe in the impact of the program because they see GOTR lessons lived out in their classrooms.

GOTR is a youth development program that encourages confidence, character, care, connection, competence, and contributing to community. One international study found that 85% of girls in the program showed gains in those areas, along with increased long-term physical activity and critical life skills.

Registration for the 2022 spring season will open Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the season will begin on Monday, March 7. The GOTR 5K presented by OAL will be held on Saturday, May 21, at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. The fall 5K at Millersville attracted 1,000 runners, including 400 girls, running buddies, and immediate family members.

"If you're interested in learning more about coaching ... we encourage (you) to reach out," said Sandoe. Those who are interested in coaching may contact Jennifer West at jwest@gotrlancaster.org. More information about the program and the 5K may be found at http://www.gotrlancaster.org.