COACH MOM

Girls on the Run coach Meg Creedon Penrice (Penn State) wrapped up a season close to her heart — one where her daughter joined her as a participant.

When Meg Creedon Penrice (Penn State) was a collegian, Gamma Phi Beta had yet to partner with Girls on the Run (GOTR). She later learned about the partnership as an alumna and was thrilled to see two like-minded organizations come together. Her excitement grew when she discovered that her daughter’s school was involved with the GOTR program. Meg realized it could be a meaningful experience they could share.

By the time her daughter, Claire, entered third grade, they both were ready: Meg signed up as a first-time coach, and Claire — an active child who thrives in activities with other kids — joined as a GOTR participant.

Meg and her co-coaches led a team of about 40 girls, ranging from third to fifth graders. Since most girls already knew each other from school, the season strengthened existing friendships while fostering new ones. Meg also noticed something else strengthening after each lesson and practice: the girls’ confidence — and, surprisingly, her own!

“[As a GOTR coach], I realized how much I could grow by embracing discomfort and pushing through obstacles,” Meg shares. “Full disclosure, I am not a runner. This wasn’t physically easy for me, but I was determined to show I could do this and be a role model for the girls. Just like in training for a race, it’s often the hard moments that teach the most valuable lessons. I reminded myself that I can push myself to do things I’m not comfortable doing and still find success.”

The end-of-the-season 5K finally arrived. After 10 weeks of mental and physical preparation, the girls (and Meg) felt ready to take on the challenge ahead. High energy from all the other teams further amped up the excitement for Meg’s team, creating contagious confidence among all in attendance.

“The end-of-season 5K was such an electric experience! Held at a community college, the event was buzzing with energy, packed with young girls from so many schools. And the race itself was a huge success,” Meg recalls.

As an avid swimmer, Claire usually prefers underwater speed over anything involving running. Never having competed in a 5K, she approached race day with some trepidation. But she surprised herself when she crossed the finish line, cheered on by her team and coaches, including her mom. “I liked how the coaches motivated us to keep going,” Claire shares.

Meg laughs, “Claire ran straight from the finish line to the car to head to swim practice afterward! I joked that she was just a bike ride away from completing a triathlon that day. Completing the 5K was a personal goal for her, and I was so proud of her for achieving it.”

Now a fourth grader, Claire is excited to take on another GOTR season with her coach mom. Meg looks forward to introducing the program to a new group of third graders and watching the older girls, like Claire, step into leadership roles during practices. For Claire, GOTR has also sparked a desire to make a difference beyond the team.

“[After our first GOTR season], Claire felt more empowered and inspired to make a difference in the lives of others. As a fourth grader this year, she joined her school’s Community Service Organization, where she’s already taking the initiative to help others — extending the foundation she built with GOTR,” Meg says.

Through this shared journey, Meg and Claire continue to inspire and empower each other, one GOTR season at a time.