For Kate Schmidt, Ed.S., Girls on the Run has become much more than an after-school program — it has become one of the highlights of her school year.

Kate, a school psychologist at Riverwest Elementary School, is entering her 12th season as a Girls on the Run coach. Her journey with GOTR began when a social worker at her school suggested bringing the program to Riverwest. Kate agreed, not knowing at the time just how meaningful the experience would become.

“I am so happy that I agreed,” Kate shared. “It continues to be a highlight of my school year.”

Coming Back for the Girls

After more than a decade of coaching, Kate says the girls themselves are what continue to bring her back each season.

Their excitement begins long before the first practice. Girls start asking about Girls on the Run as soon as the school year begins, eager for another season of learning, moving, connecting and having fun together.

For Kate, some of the most meaningful moments are also the simplest ones.

“I love seeing the girls smile, laugh, and find joy while being active,” she said.

That joy is paired with growth. Throughout each season, Kate watches girls step outside of their comfort zones, try new things, persevere through challenges and form friendships with girls they may not otherwise have gotten to know.

Building Each Other Up

One of the biggest impacts Kate has witnessed through Girls on the Run is the way participants learn to support one another.

“In a culture where girls and young women are often encouraged to compete in negative ways, our girls work hard to support, encourage, and celebrate one another,” Kate shared.

That sense of community extends far beyond a single season. Over the years, Kate has crossed paths with former Girls on the Run participants and has seen firsthand how the confidence and skills they developed through the program continue with them as they grow.

For Kate, that lasting impact is part of what makes coaching so rewarding.

A Community That Shows Up

There is another experience that continues to stand out to Kate: watching fathers and father figures show up for their girls.

From encouraging them throughout the season to running alongside them at the celebratory 5K, Kate has seen how powerful it can be when girls have people in their lives who are fully present and invested in their experience.

“Watching them encourage their girls, run with them at the 5K, and be fully present in their experience is incredibly powerful,” she said.

Those moments reflect what Kate believes Girls on the Run is truly about — creating a community where girls have the support, experiences and opportunities they need to thrive.

“Girls on the Run is more than a running program — it’s an inclusive community that provides new experiences and opportunities that help girls become socially, emotionally, and physically healthy.”

After 12 seasons of showing up for girls at Riverwest Elementary, Kate continues to embody exactly what makes our volunteer coaches so special. Thank you, Kate, for the years of encouragement, consistency and care you have poured into your girls and the Girls on the Run community. We are so grateful to have you on our team! 

Ready to make an impact of your own? Join Girls on the Run as a volunteer coach and help create the kind of confidence, connection, and joy that keeps people like Kate coming back season after season.