Brooks Running Company named Ashley Wiles the 2016 Inspiring Coach of the Year. Wiles is the founder of Sole Girls, a program she created for young girls that teaches life skills through running. Brooks honored Wiles for her work inspiring youth to choose healthy, fit lives.
The award pays tribute to a coach who goes above and beyond to inspire runners to push themselves to new heights and who creates a lasting difference in his or her community.
“Running gave me so much when I was younger, and Sole Girls has been my way to help pass on those benefits to young women experiencing some of the same self-doubt and confidence issues I encountered at their age,” said Wiles. “Winning the Inspiring Coach of the Year Award means ‘sole’ much, and I can’t wait to bring it back home and share it with the group!”
Sole Girls hosts nine-week programs, which Wiles also coaches, that train groups to run a 5K while providing them with resources, guidance and community to help them navigate adolescence and adopt an active lifestyle. Her ambition to create Sole Girls, contagious belief in the power of the run and her ceaseless energy in encouraging new runners made her stand out in a pool of 13 noteworthy finalists for the 2016 Inspiring Coach of the Year Award.
“Running isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. It’s an experience we believe is hugely powerful as a path to strength, confidence, health, clarity of mind, good decisions and happiness,” said Brooks Running CEO Jim Weber. “Ashley is a lighthouse for young girls, using running to guide them through years that can be both difficult and incredibly formative for the path they’ll choose in life. We’re thrilled to name her the Brooks 2016 Inspiring Coach of the Year.”
Wiles and Sole Girls will receive $10,000 in Brooks performance running gear and $2,500 cash to use for team expenses. Wiles will also become a member of the Brooks Inspire Daily program comprised of coaches and elite runners, and she’ll take home the coveted golden spike trophy.
Photo courtesy Brooks Running Company
