Madeline Pope participated in Girls on the Run South Central Wisconsin from 2007 to 2009. Eighteen years later, she’s a college graduate, flourishing in her career at Promega, and paying it forward as a dedicated GOTR coach. Her journey with Girls on the Run began with joyful strides alongside her biggest supporter—her dad. Keep reading to hear more of Madeline’s heartwarming memories and the lasting impact GOTR has had on her life.

Some of my favorite elementary school memories come from my time as a Girls on the Run participant. It was a fun, supportive space where I met new friends, gained confidence, and discovered a love for running. My coaches played such an important role in that experience - they encouraged me, a shy, reserved girl, to step outside of my comfort zone, and their support helped me become more confident in group settings. That confidence carried through to middle and high school, where I joined the cross-country team and made friendships built on kindness and encouragement, values I first learned in Girls on the Run.

I reconnected with Girls on the Run as a junior coach during my senior year of high school, wanting to give back to a program that had given me so much. After graduating college and returning to Madison to start my career, I knew I wanted to get involved again. Coaching has been a great way for me to reconnect with the community at this new stage in my life. Over the past seven seasons, I’ve seen firsthand how this program empowers young girls, helping them build confidence and resilience. It’s always special to see myself in the girls I coach and to witness their growth throughout the season.

My dad was always my running buddy, and his support pushed me through to the finish line. Now, as a coach, I have the privilege of being that running buddy for girls in the program, guiding and encouraging them just as my dad did for me.

Thank you, Madeline, for using your star power to move mountains for the next generation!