Following her retirement in June after more than 40 years of service at Curtis Strange Elementary, Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin is honored to recognize Coach Renee Burke and the lasting impact she has made on countless girls through 14 seasons of coaching.

Coach Burke has been involved with Girls on the Run since 2019, when the program was first introduced at Curtis Strange Elementary. Over the past 14 seasons, she has helped hundreds of girls discover their strengths, build confidence, develop meaningful friendships, and learn skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

At Curtis Strange, Mrs. Burke has long been known as a source of kindness, wisdom, dedication, and love. Her school's retirement announcement described her as someone whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls and will continue for years to come through the lives she has touched. Those same qualities have made her an extraordinary Girls on the Run coach.

Reflecting on her experience, Coach Burke shares:

"This is a great program that helps girls build new and stronger friendships, increase self-confidence, and develop personal skills to last a lifetime. It's been fun watching girls ask about the program—'When will it start?' and 'Can I join again?' Their excitement is contagious and helps the coaches know that this program definitely has a positive impact on the girls."

Girls on the Run Program Director Kristi Knoedler has witnessed that impact firsthand:

"During her 14 seasons, Coach Burke has been a consistent source of positivity and encouragement for the girls on her team. She has cheered countless girls across the finish line at the Girls on the Run 5K, helping them build confidence and believe in themselves."

For those considering becoming a coach, Coach Burke offers reassurance:

"The Girls on the Run program is laid out with easy-to-follow lessons. It has been developed to empower young girls to believe in themselves, help others, and reach for the stars."

Coach Burke's story is a powerful reminder that coaching is about so much more than running. It is about showing up, building relationships, encouraging girls to see their potential, and helping them develop confidence that lasts long after the season ends.

As she begins this exciting new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to Coach Burke for the countless girls she has inspired, the lives she has touched, and the legacy she leaves behind at both Curtis Strange Elementary and Girls on the Run.

Thank you, Coach Burke, for helping generations of girls recognize that they are strong, capable, and unstoppable. 

Are you interested in learning more about being a Girls on the Run coach? 

Visit https://www.gotrsewi.org/coach for more information!