They’re the helpful cheerleaders on the other end of the phone call or email when you have questions or concerns. They’re the smiling faces welcoming you and your teams at meet-ups and workshops and building up community excitement for the 3-Day. They’re the guiding hands leading the crew captains and teams to greatness. That’s right, they’re your Susan G. Komen 3-Day® coaches!
As we get ready to return to each of the seven splendid 3-Day locations, we wanted to take a minute to catch up with the coaches from each event. You’ve gotten to know them pretty well over the past couple of years on the 3-Day blog and this year, instead of letting them talk about themselves, I asked their fellow coaches to do it for them!
The Michigan coaches—Ann, Jennifer and Gina—are up first! Click here to see what we knew about them already. And keep reading to see what they had to say about each other.
(L-R) Gina, Jennifer, Ann
Ann (Michigan Local Events Coach)
“I’d describe Ann as nerdy, smart, and so much fun to be around! She’s great at her job because she was involved with the Michigan 3-Day for years as a participant before becoming a coach so she knows this event inside and out. Last year I was staffing the Seattle 3-Day and Ann was walking. I offered to share my hotel room with her so she didn’t have to tent it. When I checked into the hotel I requested two beds but all that was available was a room with one king bed. But we just rolled with it! It was pretty funny and I think it was Saturday night when we shared chips and salsa in bed and managed to NOT spill any salsa. Honestly, any time I am with Ann we have fun and laugh, a lot!” – Jennifer
“Ann is fun-loving, loyal, and compassionate. She has walked the walk and talked the talk. She has been a Michigan participant so she knows the community and is genuinely invested in this event.” – Gina
Jennifer (Michigan Participant Support Coach)
“I would describe Jennifer as spunky, thoughtful, and honest. Jennifer forms amazing relationships with the participants. She takes the time to get to know them, help them, and in turn, and they love Coach Jennifer!” – Gina
“Jennifer is absolutely dedicated to the participants. She will do everything she can to make sure they are having the time of their lives. We spend a whole bunch of time together leading up to the Michigan 3-Day and on-event (usually in a rented minivan) so there is a tendency for us to get a little slap-happy. There is no shortage of shenanigans when we are set loose on the route!” – Ann
Gina (Michigan Crew & Volunteer Coordinator)
“Gina is always positive, her smile is infectious and her love for the crew is tremendous! I don’t get to see Gina on event as much as Jennifer, so I love those moments when we get to team up. Usually, it’s when we’re setting up or tearing down camp, so hilarity is always an option! Sometimes we steal her and take her out on the route with us so that she can join in the craziness.” – Ann
“How would I describe Gina? She is kind, caring and has a huge heart. Gina has a calmness under pressure that is perfect for this event and for working with the crew. So many things can change on this event at the last minute and Gina just handles it, calmly and without showing any signs of being worried or stressed. Gina has moved around a bit and for a few years was a coach for a different city where we both live, so we have spent more than our fair share of time together on the route and most especially with Street Team Day. We made a great team, she can handle a roll of tape like a pro!” – Jennifer
Do you know the Michigan coaches? How would you describe these fabulous ladies?