At Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin, showing up means more than being there. It means bringing encouragement, spreading joy, and helping every girl recognize her limitless potential.

For the past four years, volunteer Susan Krueger has done just that! From welcoming families at 5K registration to supporting our Sneaker Soiree and serving as a 5K Safety Lead, Susan has brought her enthusiasm, kindness, and GOTR spirit to every opportunity.

And if there's one thing Susan knows, it's that the magic of Girls on the Run isn't just experienced by the girls. It's felt by everyone who shows up to support them. 💜

"Susan has been part of our volunteer community for four years, and we can count on her wherever she’s needed. Whether she’s welcoming families, helping at the Sneaker Soiree, or leading safety at the 5K, she brings the same care and enthusiasm to every role. We’re so grateful for her."

— Katy Matola, GOTR Operations Director

The Joy of Being Part of Something Bigger

Ask Susan why she continues volunteering with Girls on the Run, and her answer captures exactly what makes the GOTR community so special.

"GOTR creates such a positive environment, and it’s contagious! From the kindness of the staff and fellow volunteers to the enthusiasm of the girls, coaches, and spectators, I get FOMO just thinking about missing it. Seeing the pride on the girls’ faces when they finish is the icing on the cake."

That joy is what keeps Susan coming back season after season. Whether she's helping behind the scenes or celebrating alongside families at the 5K, she knows that every volunteer plays a role in creating an experience our girls will remember.

One Finish Line. A Lasting Impact.

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen when we least expect them.

For Susan, that moment came at her very first Girls on the Run 5K Celebration.

"At my first 5K, I worked registration, so I hadn’t seen much of the event itself. As we were finishing up, a staff member said, ‘Go walk around.’ I went straight to the finish line, and that’s what hooked me. Watching the girls run that final stretch with such determination and pride, surrounded by people cheering them on, brought tears to my eyes."

What started as a single volunteer opportunity turned into four years of making memories, building connections, and cheering on girls as they discover just how capable they are.

And while Susan may not see everything that happens during a Girls on the Run season, she gets a front-row seat to one of its most powerful moments.

"I don’t have kids of my own, so I don’t see what happens at team practices. But at the 5K, I get to see girls’ growth and determination as they cross the finish line with their 5K Buddies. I also see the sense of community GOTR creates, bringing together people of different backgrounds, abilities, and ages to celebrate the girls."

For Susan, the finish line represents more than completing a 5K. It's a celebration of growth, determination, and a community coming together to lift each other up.

The Magic Is in the Moments We Share

When asked to describe Girls on the Run in one sentence, Susan chose four powerful words:

"Kindness, support, determination, and empowerment."

Those words reflect the heart of our mission and the impact that volunteers like Susan make possible. Every welcoming smile at registration, every helping hand behind the scenes, and every cheer along the course contributes to an environment where girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated. It's a reminder that you don't have to be a coach or cross the finish line yourself to make a difference. Sometimes, simply showing up is where the magic begins.

Your Turn to Experience the Magic!

When asked what she'd say to someone considering volunteering at a Girls on the Run 5K, Susan didn't hesitate:

"DO IT! You won’t regret it."

We couldn't agree more!

Susan, thank you for four years of showing up with your whole heart, sharing your energy, and making our GOTR community brighter. Volunteers like you help turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories for our girls and their families.

Ready to experience the magic for yourself? 💜

Whether you're an individual looking to give back, a corporate team hoping to make an impact, or a community group ready to spread some joy, there's a place for you at Girls on the Run!

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at gotrsewi.org/volunteer and discover what it means to show up for every girl.