Meet longtime coach Melissa Slenker! For nearly two decades, Melissa has dedicated her time and heart to coaching Girls on the Run Vermont. What began as a love for running and working with youth has become a powerful way to witness transformation, build community, and lift up others along the way.

“The energy of the girls and watching them come alive every season is what keeps me coming back every year,” Melissa shares. From the first session to the final celebration, she sees growth in every participant. “In the beginning they’re motivated, and at the end they are so proud. It’s amazing what we can accomplish in just 10 weeks."

Melissa loves that everyone is included and welcome at Girls on the Run. 

“Girls who aren’t athletes can join. All you need is a pair of shoes. You’re here, and that’s who you are, and that’s beautiful.” To her, running is not about competition, it’s about showing up for yourself and learning lessons that last well beyond the finish line. That spirit is what makes GOTR so special.

Our program’s lessons and activities have resonated with Melissa because they create space for reflection and connection for both girls and coaches. “Physicality is such a small part of it. The program lifts up everyone involved,” she explains. “We all grow together.”

Melissa and participants smiling during the 2025 5K at Dana L Thompson Memorial Park in Manchester, VT

Melissa recalls a balloon lesson from the curriculum that encouraged the girls to reflect on their emotions, tap into their inner strength, and problem-solve together. “If you let them truly figure it out, it’s amazing to see what they come up with,” she says. “They just need space to explore.”

Another highlight was her team’s community impact project supporting the local Humane Society last season. Inspired by the Mountain Mover curriculum, the team connected their work to a powerful message about leadership, perseverance, and making an impact beyond the season. One of her fellow coaches told the girls, “During life, there will be lots of little things you do. When they add up, that’s moving a mountain.” It was a reminder that small, consistent actions can shape who they become and the world around them.

Melissa often notices that girls begin the season feeling uncertain or anxious, but by the end, they are filled with pride and confidence. “Anticipating and anxious is where they start, but in the end and at the 5K they have pride,” she says. “They realize they’ve accomplished something big.”

Over the years, Melissa has helped many girls discover their strength and potential. For her, Girls on the Run is a journey of growth, for both the girls and herself.

Melissa shares, “I believe in this organization with my whole heart... it brings me joy to work with the girls each and every year!” 

The joy she feels as a Girls on the Run coach reflects her outlook on life. “I think the most important thing in my life is to keep active and to do things that I enjoy to help me make the most of each day.”

Thank you Melissa, for being a champion of GOTRVT! We look forward to having you back as a coach for our Spring 2026 season, ready to take on the season with a Bold Heart! Sign up to coach today at gotrvt.org/coach