Rudolph Gordon’s Emily Sisson named Girls on the Run Remarkable Coach of the Year

Coach Emily Sisson from Rudolph Gordon Elementary was named the Girls on the Run Upstate SC Remarkable Coach of the Year for the 2019-2020 academic year. The Remarkable Coach Award recognizes the inspirational impact Girls on the Run volunteers make in our community and is given to coaches who embody the Girls on the Run core values and inspire the girls in our community to lead joyful, healthy and confident lives.

Coach Sisson was selected by Girls on the Run Upstate SC from the over 200 passionate and committed volunteers serving the organization. She is a strong role model as she lives out the GOTR core-values: she expresses joy, optimism and gratitude, leads with an open heart and leads girls to nurture their physical, emotional and spiritual health.   

Recently, when Girls on the Run practices were suspended at school due to the coronavirus pandemic, she went above and beyond to make sure her team of 38 girls continued to feel supported and loved. She wrote each girl on her team a letter, packaged it with their Girls on the Run program shirt and stickers, and then hand delivered the packages to every girl’s home.

Girls on the Run programming helps girls find their Star Power, a way to help their inner light shine for themselves and others. Coach Emily Sisson has demonstrated Star Power and has helped the girls in our community spread positivity in this difficult time. Coach Sisson said that delivering the packages to the girls brought huge smiles to their faces. In her words, "Always try to find joy, even in the hard stuff. And when you can, share that joy with others."

Rudolph Gordon Principal Jackie Parker said, "Emily is dedicated above anything else. She is truly the epitome of a Girls on the Run Coach! She works well with other staff members and parents to make sure all of the requirements are met and recruits new energized coaches each season.  She is truly deserving to be recognized as a Remarkable Coach for Girls on the Run!" 

“We are so thankful for the amazing work that Coach Sission is doing to empower and inspire girls here in the Upstate to achieve their limitless potential!” stated Mary Ann Cleland Executive Director.

The Girls on the Run program is a 10-week, after-school physical activity-based, positive youth development program for nearly 1000 third- through eighth-grade girls in the Upstate of South Carolina. Two seasons, with one each in the fall and spring each year, teach life skills through fun interactive lessons and running games to build confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Each program season culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K run — to be held this November 21, at USC Upstate in Spartanburg.