At Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville, our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do.

From coaches who bring our evidence-based curriculum to life, to event volunteers who make event days magical, to board members who guide our vision - our work simply wouldn’t be possible without them. This series celebrates the people who make it all happen and offers a closer look at the many ways volunteers power our mission.

Meet Coach Meg Grover:

How long have you served as a GOTR coach?

10+ years

What inspired you to become a GOTR coach?

I was inspired to join Girls on the Run by Molly Barker and her commitment to ensuring girls have access to a curriculum that supports them during such a formative time in their lives. Her vision of empowering young girls through confidence-building and life skills really resonated with me. That inspiration led me to begin coaching in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I spent over five years with the program and helped train incoming coaches as part of Team Adelaide. I’ve continued that passion here in Knoxville, and this is now my sixth year coaching.

What does being a GOTR coach mean to you personally?

Being a coach means so much to me. I often find myself wishing a program like this had existed when I was in grades 3–5 and middle school. Girls on the Run provides such a powerful space for girls to build meaningful relationships and develop the tools they need to navigate this important stage of their lives. One of my favorite parts is watching the girls set and achieve their goal of completing a full 5K. Seeing their hard work, perseverance, and confidence come to life is truly inspiring.

What is one moment from this season (or a past season) that really stuck with you?

During a past season, I served as a running buddy for one of our girls who had struggled all season to increase her lap goals and complete each practice. At the 5K, she and I ran nearly the entire race without stopping—something that had felt out of reach for her before. She only paused once or twice, but she truly pushed herself in a way I hadn’t seen all season. As we reached the final stretch, she took off and sprinted ahead of me. I was so incredibly proud of her and everything she had accomplished.

How have you seen the girls grow in confidence or teamwork throughout the program?

I have seen girls that began the season barely talking, reluctant to share, and not really engaging with the whole group - to a complete 180 by the end. They really come out of their shells! It is such an amazing sight to see. 

What do you hope to take away from their Girls on the Run experience?

Some of these girl's sparkle! I am inspired every day by their unique personalities. I hope to be at least half as cool as these girls already are! 

Why do you think programs like Girls on the Run are so important for young girls today?

It's hard being a kid...it's hard being a girl...and it's especially hard growing up in the world today. Girls on the Run is crucial in helping girls navigate peer relationships, build body confidence and body positivity (in a world of filters), and boost and strengthen their self-esteem.