Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is proud to announce the 2026 recipient of the Cherrie Layton Coach of the Year Award: Claire Heimbigner!

Claire has been a dedicated coach at James K. Polk Elementary School for the past three years, and her impact reaches far beyond GOTR practices. Not only is she a standout coach, but she also brought Girls on the Run to Polk, creating a space where girls can grow, connect, and thrive.

How It All Started

Three years ago, Claire noticed that many students at Polk, a Title I school, could benefit from a space just for them, a place to build confidence, form friendships, and feel supported. Like many Title I communities, students at Polk don’t always have the same access to extracurricular opportunities, making it even more important to create spaces where they can build confidence, form friendships, and feel supported.

While sharing these observations with a friend at another school, Claire was introduced to Girls on the Run. Her friend, already a GOTR coach, described the program as a positive, empowering environment for girls.

That conversation sparked something, and soon after, Claire brought Girls on the Run to Polk.

 

Building Bonds That Last

From the very first season, something special began to take shape.

One of the most meaningful outcomes Claire noticed was the way kids from different grade levels connected. In a typical school day, students don’t often get the chance to interact across grades, but at Girls on the Run, those barriers disappeared.

Friendships formed. Confidence grew. A sense of belonging took root.

Claire shared,

“It’s great to see kids of different grade levels come together and bond. They are creating a stronger community within the school.”

That sense of connection didn’t stay at practice. It carried into the school day, where teammates would excitedly wave to each other in the hallways, proud of the bond they shared.

 

A Spark of Joy After the School Day

Ask any GOTR coach, and they’ll tell you…practice days are special.

Claire sees it firsthand. After a long school day, when students might feel tired or low on energy, something shifts the moment practice begins. The participants come alive! Moving their bodies, encouraging one another, and fully embracing every moment.

Girls on the Run becomes more than an activity. It becomes something they look forward to and a highlight of their week.

 

Making a Lasting Impact

For Claire, one of the most meaningful moments came from a parent.

A mother reached out to share how much Girls on the Run had changed her daughter’s life. She explained that her daughter had never shown such enthusiasm for an activity before, and that her confidence and physical activity levels had grown tremendously.

Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what this program makes possible.

 

A Coach Who Goes Above and Beyond

Those who nominated Claire describe her as: supportive, empathetic, kind, compassionate, and deeply motivating.

Her passion for her team shines through in everything she does. Whether she’s providing encouragement during practice, building connections among teammates, or supporting the broader GOTR community, Claire consistently goes above and beyond.

 

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

The Cherrie Layton Coach of the Year Award was established in memory of the late GOTR NOVA coach, Cherrie Layton. This award honors a volunteer coach who truly embodies the Girls on the Run mission and demonstrates exceptional dedication to their team and community.

Nominees are recognized for their leadership in areas such as:

• Fostering team growth and continuity

• Championing the unique needs of their team

• Serving as an ambassador for Girls on the Run

Claire exemplifies all of these qualities, and more.

 

A Grateful Heart

When asked about receiving the award, Claire shared:

“Sometimes we just get lost in all the things that we do every day, so it’s really nice to be acknowledged. I’m just thankful that people were thinking of me. It’s so meaningful. 

I love the community that we’ve built and getting to connect with girls all across the school, as well as being part of the bigger Girls on the Run community. I’m very thankful.”

Claire’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have. Through her leadership, dedication, and heart, she has helped create a space where girls feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Congratulations, Claire, and thank you for all that you do!