Inside the Role of a 3-Day Coach

Staci and her daughter walking hand-in-hand at the Susan. G Komen 3-Day in Seattle.

Staci and Coach Alex at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Many of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® coaches have a personal connection to breast cancer, which drives their unwavering commitment to supporting participants. Having walked in the events and fundraised themselves, 3-Day coaches understand the challenges participants face and are passionate about helping them power through.  

Their dedication as coaches is far-reaching. They are mentors, who guide walkers in training, fundraising and everything in between. 

Coach Staci, the San Diego 3-Day coach since 2004, explained, “Most of us as 3-Day coaches have a connection to breast cancer. We care deeply about our participants and their journey because we have experienced it in our own ways.”  

Coach Staci’s experience with breast cancer is personal, stemming from her mother-in-law’s journey.  

“She was diagnosed in 2002 with breast cancer and passed away in 2007,” she recalled. “That was six weeks before my older daughter and I walked in Seattle at my second 3-Day, and it was also my oldest daughter’s 16th birthday.”  

But Staci’s role as a coach is centered on supporting others. As the primary point of contact for San Diego 3-Dayers, she has mentored hundreds of walkers and steps in to support her counterparts who coach events in Denver, New England and Dallas/Fort Worth. 

Staci and her daughter at the 3-Day in Seattle.

The role of a 3-Day coach is multifaceted. Coaches are there to answer all types of questions from logistical concerns like what type of food will be served at the event to offering practical advice on fundraising strategies, adjusting training plans for medical challenges and simply encouraging walkers to stay the course and enjoy the journey. 

“I tell the walkers that I coach that the event is their reward. It’s their time to celebrate what they’ve accomplished,” Staci said. “It’s the ice cream on top of the cake.” 

The relationships between coaches and participants are unique and meaningful. Staci has dedicated over 20 years to coaching participants of the 3-Day. Both of her daughters have walked twice, her husband is a five-time 3-Day walker and Coach Staci herself has walked four times and raised over $10,000.  

“Because of my mother-in-law’s journey, I worry for my daughters,” Coach Staci said. “But being a coach, I also get to hear the great stories of people who are 20-year survivors, and that gives you that hope to offset the fear.” 

Through dedication and guidance, the 3-Day coaches have a longstanding history of playing a crucial role in helping participants achieve their goals while facilitating a sense of community along the way. 

The 2025 Komen 3-Day events will be held in Denver (Aug. 1-3), New England (Aug. 15-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct.24-26) and San Diego (Nov. 14-16).

To register for one of our 3-Day events, visit the 3-Day.  

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