Meet Coach Pat and Junior Coach Peyton! This grandmother-granddaughter coaching duo is helping their Girls on the Run team to build confidence and connection at their East Providence school, where Coach Peyton is also a student.
How did you first get involved with Girls the Run?
COACH PAT: I was recently retired and looking for volunteer opportunities. I'm an avid runner/endurance sport enthusiast, but I knew nothing about Girls on the Run when it came up in my search.
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: I first got started with Girls on the Run when I was in 5th grade. My grandma asked if my little sister and I wanted to be on the virtual team that she was helping to coach and we said of course! Now I’m in high school and being asked to rejoin the program as a coach now means so much to me, especially with my grandma by my side.
What have you enjoyed most about coaching?
COACH PAT: Watching the growth and development in the girls over the course of each season.
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: I love being on campus and doing full school activities. Being able to have moment with the girls outside practice and participate in school traditions together has been really special.
Is there anything in particular about the program or curriculum that speaks to you?
COACH PAT: Without a doubt, there's the running component, but, the program is so much more. The curriculum has applicability for the girls in everyday encounters and gives them coping skills that will serve them in all aspects of their lives.
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: The sense of companionship and the focus on growth over perfection - there is no right or wrong - is what has always drawn me to Girls on the Run.
Does running play a role in your life?
COACH PAT: Yes!
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: Because of Girls on the Run, yes! I may not be a full-time runner like my grandma, but I've certainly grown in my running capabilities because of the program.
Do you think your relationship strengthens or enhances your coaching, and if so in what ways?
COACH PAT: It absolutely does. I've had the privilege of coaching two of my granddaughters, Pey and her younger sister, in different seasons. Pey and I plan the lessons together and chat about the girls and how we can elevate their experience. I value her input tremendously. She's been one of my team members and now is a coach!
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: It definitely has. We have little debriefs on the car ride home and love to discuss everything that happened. The fact that my first coaching experience is alongside of my grandma makes it even more meaningful.
What is your biggest hope for young girls to take away from their Girls on the Run experience?
COACH PAT: That they become more confident in themselves and more capable because of the skills we share with them.
JUNIOR COACH PEYTON: That they don’t need to be the best runner to join the program. The true point of Girls on the Run is to teach girls impactful life skills and create friendships with others around them.