This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the coaches who bring their experiences, perspectives, and stories to Girls on the Run. Meet Coach Daniel, a father, Spanish speaker, and Girls on the Run coach who believes in the power of showing up, building connections, and helping girls see what they’re capable of.

For Daniel, coaching with Girls on the Run is about much more than running. His background in positive youth development (PYD) first introduced him to the idea that youth programs can help young people develop healthy behaviors, build relationships, and become well-rounded individuals.

When he discovered that Girls on the Run is built around the positive youth development framework, it resonated with him.

“Someone that only reads the curriculum for the one practice will see quite silly and fun activities, but some really put some thought into the order and the overall goal of the whole season,” Daniel shared.

He appreciates that every Girls on the Run activity has a purpose, while still giving girls opportunities to lead, participate, and have fun.

Building Connections Through Language and Representation

As a Spanish speaker, Daniel has found another meaningful way to connect with the girls he coaches.

“I think it allows me to have a connection with the kids that know Spanish,” he said. “Especially with kids that are from Hispanic backgrounds, they can see another brown person that cares about them and wants them to succeed.”

For Daniel, representation is about more than seeing someone who looks like you. It’s about seeing someone who shows up, cares, and believes in you.

That connection is one of the things that makes coaching so meaningful to him.

Learning From the Girls

Every season has also taught Daniel something new about the girls he coaches. One lesson that surprised him was seeing how much girls can accomplish when they are motivated.

He remembers one girl who wasn’t typically a strong runner during practices but surprised him during 5K training.

“When the 5K practice came around, she excelled,” he said.

Moments like that have reminded Daniel not to underestimate what girls are capable of—and to give them the encouragement and opportunity to surprise themselves.

The Impact of Positive Male Role Models

As a father of two daughters, Daniel has learned plenty from being a dad, too.

“My daughters have taught me to be sensitive,” he said. “I think that has prepared me to deal with a whole group of girls and be able to relate to them.”

Daniel believes positive male role models can play an important role in girls’ lives. For some participants, having a caring and supportive man in their lives can help them recognize what positive relationships with men can look like as they grow.

His experience as both a father and coach has also influenced how he approaches parenting.

“Coaching has given me the confidence to confront different challenges and be more firm on my discipline when dealing with my own kids,” he shared.

Sometimes, It’s the Little Moments

When asked about a moment from coaching that has stayed with him, Daniel didn’t choose a big race or milestone.

He remembered a girl who came to practice without knowing how to tie her shoes.

“I made it my goal to show her how to tie her shoes,” he said. “I think at the end of the session, she was able to at least do a basic knot.”

It was a small moment, but one that captures what Daniel values about coaching: being present, paying attention, and helping girls with whatever they need in that moment.

Just Show Up

For anyone who might be nervous about becoming a Girls on the Run coach, Daniel has a simple message: don’t let intimidation stop you.

“It might seem intimidating at the beginning, but girls need good people to be involved and care about them and be in their lives,” he said.

He encourages fathers, father figures, and other men in the community to give coaching a try.

“Getting to know these kids is very fulfilling and rewarding,” Daniel said. “It is nice to find them out of the training sessions and you will always be Coach Daniel.”

He also wants prospective coaches to know that coaching doesn’t have to be complicated. Complete the training, spend some time getting familiar with the curriculum, and most importantly, show up.

“Kids are just happy that you show up and spend time with them,” he said.

Investing in the Next Generation

For Daniel, investing in girls today means investing in future generations.

“We need strong women that can stand up for themselves,” he said. “Having well-rounded women will benefit future generations.”

That belief is at the heart of why he continues to coach. Through positive youth development, meaningful relationships, representation, and plenty of fun along the way, Daniel is helping girls build skills that extend far beyond the practice field.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate Coach Daniel and the perspective he brings to Girls on the Run. His story is a reminder that coaches don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. Sometimes, making an impact starts with simply showing up, caring, and being someone a girl can count on.