After an unsuccessful attempt in 2025, Head Coach Kara Paterson and a dedicated community of volunteers brought Girls on the Run to Sterling Elementary in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Sometimes, making a big impact starts with one small step. And sometimes, it takes trying again.
In 2025, Sterling Elementary hoped to establish a Girls on the Run team, but the program wasn't able to get off the ground. One year later, thanks to the determination of Head Coach Kara Paterson, a dedicated group of volunteer coaches and support from the University of Central Missouri, Sterling is celebrating a successful Fall 2026 season with more than 30 girls participating.
And the impact is already reaching far beyond the track.
A Second Chance to Make It Happen
For Head Coach Kara Paterson, bringing Girls on the Run to Sterling Elementary was something she had hoped to accomplish since joining the school.
In 2025, the timing simply wasn't right. Teachers were balancing busy schedules, and finding the time and volunteers needed to establish a team proved challenging.
Looking back, Kara believes the extra year gave her an opportunity to settle into her new school and feel more prepared to lead the program.
This fall, she decided to take a different approach.
"I think the biggest difference this year was that I decided to take a leap of faith and trust that everything would come together!" said Kara.
And that's exactly what happened.
Four assistant coaches stepped forward, additional volunteers expressed interest, and families enthusiastically embraced the opportunity. By the time the season began, more than 30 girls had signed up.
"I never imagined we'd have more than 30 girls sign up for our first season, but it's been so exciting to see how much support and enthusiasm there is for this program!" Kara shared.
Building Confidence, One Practice at a Time
With each practice, Kara and her fellow coaches are seeing the Girls on the Run mission come to life.
"One of my favorite things to see during practice is that no girl is ever running or walking the track alone. There's always a teammate right beside her, cheering her on or keeping her company," Kara said.
Girls are building friendships, growing in confidence and demonstrating perseverance. Older participants are stepping into leadership roles and encouraging their younger teammates.
The lessons are even making their way into the classroom, where girls have started referencing the "Power of Yet" during discussions.
"I truly believe these girls are developing lifelong skills that go far beyond running. They're learning about confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of lifting one another up," Kara explained.
A Community Partnership That Goes the Extra Mile
Sterling's success has also been supported by student volunteers from the University of Central Missouri.
UCM cross country runners have joined the girls at practices each week, running alongside them, offering encouragement and serving as positive role models.
Members of UCM's Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority have also volunteered at three practices.
"Our girls get to see confidence, leadership, teamwork, and dedication modeled by people they look up to," Kara shared.
These partnerships are helping connect the Sterling Elementary community with college students who are investing their time and energy in the next generation.
Kara's Advice to Other Schools: Just Start!
After experiencing both an unsuccessful attempt and a successful launch, Kara has a simple message for schools considering Girls on the Run:
"Don't wait until everything feels figured out. Just start!" — Kara Paterson, Head Coach
Sterling Elementary's story is a reminder that a program doesn't have to come together on the first try to make a lasting impact.
Today, more than 30 girls are discovering their strength, building friendships and learning to support one another, all because a coach was willing to try again.
As Girls on the Run Kansas City prepares to celebrate 20 years of impact in 2027, Sterling's story reminds us that every new team creates opportunities for girls to recognize their limitless potential.
Bring Girls on the Run to Your School or Community
Inspired by Sterling Elementary's story?
Spring 2027 site registration is now open! Help bring confidence, connection and movement to more girls in your community.
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As we celebrate 20 years of empowering girls in 2027, stories like Sterling Elementary remind us that every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her limitless potential.
Your year-end gift helps us reach more girls, remove barriers to participation, and create the next generation of stories like Sterling's.
20 years of confidence. A future of limitless possibilities.
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