Girls on the Run Coaches Helped Young Athletes Build Confidence and Resilience

Olney, Maryland — Behind every thriving student is someone who believed in them. To celebrate these mentors, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight the educators, coaches and role models supporting the next generation.

This submission comes from Camille, who nominated Staley Rice, Alice Lee, and Tessa Combs. Know someone who should be recognized? Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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What is the mentor, coach or educator’s name?

Staley Rice, Alice Lee, and Tessa Combs

What is your relationship to them?

GOTR coaches

How have they made an impact?

This was our school’s inaugural Girls on the Run (GOTR) 5K race. We had three exemplary coaches, and words can hardly capture the gratitude we feel for everything these three poured into our girls — their time, their energy, and their belief that our girls could do it.

These coaches showed our girls they can do tough things. When the hills felt impossible, and our girls’ lungs burned and their legs had nothing left, the coaches encouraged them by reminding them they were stronger than they thought. They redirected their focus away from how much time was left and toward what they were capable of.

Yes, there were tears, a few stumbles, and a moment when I firmly believed my daughter was on the verge of quitting — but she didn’t. She persisted. They all did.

We thank Staley, Alice, and Tessa for being the kind of coaches who shape not just runners, but resilient, determined, capable, and confident girls.

What are three words that best describe them?

Determined, energetic, and encouraging.

Thank you for all you do, Staley Rice, Alice Lee, and Tessa Combs!

Do you know a teacher, coach or mentor making a difference in your community? Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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