Rachel: A Heart for Empowerment
When Rachel first joined us as a volunteer in 2022, we had no idea just how transformative her presence would become, not just for the girls she coaches, but for our entire program.
As the site liaison at Richardson Elementary and a kindergarten teacher there, Rachel brings a rare combination of consistency, care, and natural leadership to everything she touches. By connecting with students both in and out of a traditional classroom setting, she has been able to form deep and meaningful relationships with her students. Her dedication shows up in countless ways: leading practices, supporting our in-person coach training sessions, and perhaps most meaningfully, serving as a mentor to every junior coach on her team. She doesn't just coach, she intentionally develops the confidence, leadership skills, and life readiness of these young coaches, ensuring our program's impact extends far beyond the field.
We are profoundly grateful for Rachel's unwavering commitment to Girls on the Run. The countless hours she pours into the girl and into mentoring the next generation of coaches reflect a generosity of spirit that can't be measured. Her impact ripples outward in ways we're still discovering.
Outside of her volunteer work, Rachel's life is full and joyful. As a kindergarten teacher, she's found her calling. When she's not teaching or coaching, you might find her experimenting in the kitchen, curled up with a good book, playing pickleball, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, or working on her latest craft project. Time with friends and family rounds out a life clearly built on connection and care.
When we asked Rachel to describe Girls on the Run in one word, she didn't hesitate: "EMPOWERMENT!"
That word choice feels especially fitting given how Rachel herself empowers everyone around her. "Being a part of Girls on the Run has heavily impacted me personally," she reflects. "Knowing that my fellow coaches and I have an impact on our girls' developing skills like kindness, friendship, resilience, and confidence is rewarding in so many ways. The lessons we teach contain such important life skills, ones that even we as adults can grow in!" This humble acknowledgment of her own growth speaks volumes about Rachel's character.
Ask Rachel about her favorite coaching memory, and her face lights up. "Simply watching how our girls mature as the seasons progress," she shares. "It's so rewarding to see how they learn and grow to become better versions of themselves." She goes on to describe something particularly special: former team members, now in middle school, who return to practices to encourage and help the current team. "Seeing how these girls have developed as leaders is so special!"
Rachel, your impact on our program extends far beyond what any job description could capture. You've created a culture of mentorship, growth, and genuine care that will shape these girls and our coaches for years to come. We are endlessly grateful for your generous heart, your steady presence, and your commitment to empowering every person you meet. Thank you for being exactly who you are and for sharing that gift with all of us.