Meet Lexii! She’s a former Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake (GOTRGC) participant, and she’s chosen to give back to our community, and become a Junior Coach. Junior Coaches are high school volunteers, aged sixteen through eighteen, and they act as role models for their team, and assist with coaching. Lexii was involved with GOTR from 3rd through 5th grade, and she’s sixteen years old now and in high school!

We asked Lexii if being a participant in Girls on the Run changed how she saw herself, and she agreed and said, “Participating in Girls On The Run did in fact affect how I saw myself, and the things around me. Being a kid, we often take for granted the environments that we are subject to, so although I may have not appreciated it at the time, I was able to grow more confident in my abilities; and therefore had a much easier time making friends than I did prior to Girls On The Run.” 

Our research-based Girls on the Run curriculum emphasizes three main parts, such as understanding ourselves, valuing friendship and teamwork, and recognizing how we can shape the world at large. Lexii explained that setting goals and learning about Star Power are the two main GOTR lessons that help her and her team. 

Lexi stated, “The setting goals lesson teaches kids that not everything has to be done right now, and some things can wait, or that there are steps to achieving certain things. This diminishes stress, especially for kids like me, who had a lot of stress coming from outside places.” The setting goals lesson was her favorite lesson, and she still utilizes it today. She also explained that she really benefited from learning how to activate her Star Power. 

Lexi told us, “Star Power tells kids that they can activate this power inside of them to help them get through things in their life. It’s beyond beneficial, and makes them feel less isolated in the challenges they face. For me, calling on my Star Power as a kid made me feel invincible, and really helped prove to myself that I could, in fact, do anything.” 

Our curriculum is specifically designed to support positive social and emotional health outcomes in participants. We’re happy to share that when our teams activate their Star Power, they’re making the decision to focus on their affirmations that will brighten and benefit their lives!

While Lexii’s currently a student, and a Junior Coach at Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake, she’s also a coach for her sibling’s soccer teams! “I love volunteering, when of course, I’m not studying, and I enjoy helping my community,” she added. 

Our program brings together participants, teachers, community members, families, and community sites, to create a positive learning environment; while creating a caring network of both role models and friends. We asked Lexii what she remembers most about her coaches, back when she was a GOTR participant. She replied, “I remember that one of my coaches was actually my favorite teacher at the time, and that helped make the experience enjoyable. She was always funny and I liked her confidence. She was a big role model for me at the time.” 

She also shared a funny memory with us from her first season as a Junior Coach. Lexii said, “I remember it was our first time going outside, and the kids were told to sit in a circle. I like to provide a comfortable and genial environment for the kids, so I’m constantly cracking jokes and whatever else; so I remember saying, “If I was a teacher, y'all would have not passed geometry.” Let’s just say that this is because their circle was more of an unnamed quadrilateral. After a bunch of laughter, I began to “grade” their circles every time we came outside. It’s become such a prominent event in our team, that now the girls murmur to each other before I come outside, scrambling to get the perfect circle, just so I can give them an “A+” on their shape building abilities.” 

Lexii hopes to become a Psychiatrist, and to specialize in pediatrics, so she could provide for children and young adults with the care that's not always shown to them, even when they deserve it. She explained that she wants to help them in times of need, just like she had wanted when she was in uncomfortable places as a child. 

From Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake, we’re all rooting for you, Lexii! We’re sending you a HUGE Superstar energy award for your support and dedication to supporting our community and youth. We’re grateful that our program helped you create meaningful friendships, feel more confident, and activate your limitless potential. Thank you so much for your time and for answering our questions, and for sharing your Alum and Junior Coach story with us.

Coaches are essential to supporting our participants’ future. At an age where girls are constantly told who they should be and how they should act, our GOTRGC coaches ensure that girls understand that their potential is limitless, and how to grow in confidence. If you’re interested in becoming a Coach and making a positive impact in your community, we’re accepting applications now through June 12, 2026. Learn more about becoming a coach at https://www.gotrchesapeake.org/coach!