For 15 seasons, “Joyful Jen” Entwistle has been a steady source of encouragement, laughter, and heart at Girls on the Run in Medford. A teacher, mom, and longtime coach, Jen has helped bring the program to life in her community and continues to inspire girls—and fellow coaches—season after season.
Jen first discovered Girls on the Run while camping with her extended family. A cousin’s wife told her about the program in upstate New York, and Jen instantly knew it belonged in Medford. So, she got to work. Jen even wrote a grant to bring GOTR to her school district, planting roots that have since grown into a thriving program for hundreds of girls.
“As a teacher, my passion has always been to grow my students as people,” she explains. “Academic learning cannot happen if students don’t feel like they belong somewhere. Girls on the Run sounded like it provided an opportunity for girls to be themselves and celebrate who they are—while incorporating movement.”
Moments That Last a Lifetime
Some memories shine extra bright. Like the time her team rallied behind one last runner during a practice 5K—cheering her name until the finish. When the girl stalled just short of the line, Jen was determined she would not stop there. “I thought, I’ll carry her over that finish line if I have to—which I did. The eruption of cheers when she crossed is a moment I will never forget.”
Equally special has been watching her daughters, Hannah (a GOTR alum) and Carly (now in her second season), cross their own finish lines with pride. “Celebrating their personal victories alongside their team has been incredible.”
And the joy doesn’t stop with participants. Jen credits the coaching staff she’s worked with over the years as one of her favorite parts of the program.
“Collaborating with other like-minded women to empower and inspire young girls brings me such joy. The list is long but man is it mighty! I am so grateful for the willing volunteers that have kept this program alive and thriving in Medford.”
Full-Circle Impact
Sometimes, the impact of coaching comes full circle. In 2023, Jen received a message from a former participant that perfectly captured GOTR’s ripple effect:
“Mrs. Entwistle, this makes me so happy to see you guys are still doing GOTR at Allen! I never forgot you and GOTR! I joined a sorority that raises money for GOTR and this year I got to be a coach!! It’s been the best job ever and I think of you and the years I did it all the time!!”
For Jen, it was a powerful reminder that what happens during Girls on the Run lasts far beyond a single season.
Looking Ahead
As she reflects on 25 years of Girls on the Run NJ East, Jen’s hopes for the future are rooted in accessibility and community.
“My hope is that GOTR will always be an accessible program to all. That girls will come together to grow as people and learn to problem solve real-life situations while moving. The fruits of GOTR will always be in the processing and conversations in a safe community environment. My hope is that there will be more and more sites and that GOTR NJ East will be a staple in every community—for the well-being of both coaches and participants alike.”