Kids On The Move Profile: Coach ashley stiebeling

At Old Hundred Elementary School (OHES), the morning air is filled with energy and determination, even before the school bell rings. That’s, in part, thanks to Coaches like Ashley Stiebeling, one of the dedicated leaders behind Old Hundred’s Run Club. A committed 5th-grade teacher with a love for movement and healthy living, Coach Stiebeling inspires her students to lace up their sneakers and embrace their personal fitness journeys—whether they’re striving to complete the end of season Turkey Trot in the fall, or simply learning to enjoy being active.

Celebrating progress, no matter how small, is a cornerstone of her coaching philosophy. Coach Stiebeling shared that “we love high-fives, lap count shout-outs, and little prizes for tackling tough exercises. This season, we introduced feet charm necklaces, and the kids loved showing them off!”

One of Coach Stiebeling’s beliefs is that running is a personal journey. Her approach to coaching reflects this, as she reminds her students that, “you don’t have to be fast to enjoy running. Start slow, aim to improve each week, and do what you can.” Her advice for newcomers? “Stay active and have fun. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others—your progress is unique to you.”

Coach Ashley brings passion and positivity to her role as Head Coach. Her commitment to creating a fun, supportive environment helps students enjoy being active, build positive relationships, and be a part of a team!

Read the rest of the interview below:

What inspired you to start coaching, and what do you love most about coaching the run club? When I first started coaching, I really just wanted to be a part of my school community. I have never been a runner, more of a jogger, but I value healthy choices and movement in the classroom so I wanted to share that passion by being a run club coach. What I love most about coaching a run club is witnessing personal transformations—whether it’s a runner hitting a new personal best, watching students create new friendships, seeing them grow emotionally and behaviorally from season to season,  or simply improving their confidence. There’s also the joy of creating a supportive and motivating environment where kids can come to just have fun, feel a part of something and be themselves.

Do you have a favorite running memory or a race that was particularly memorable? As a run club coach, my favorite memories will always be watching our runners cross the finish line of a race.  Listening to them talk about how they finished a mile without stopping or pacing themselves, high fiving other runners in the club, or just going until they crossed the finish, always makes my coaching heart so happy. Their smiles and energy are contagious!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from running? An important lesson learned from running is the value of consistency, mental resilience and perseverance. Really understanding that progress is a gradual process and setbacks are part of the journey. It’s not just about the physical aspect of running but also the mental and emotional benefits that come with it.

What are your top three go-to songs on your running playlist?

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, Me Too by Meghan Trainor, You Look Like you Love me by Ella Langley and Riley Green

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and what would you do? I would trade places with a National Geographic photographer. They travel to some of the most remote, breathtaking, and culturally rich places on Earth. Each day presents itself with creativity, excitement and unpredictability.

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever dressed up as for Halloween? My most fun costume was when I dressed up as a cactus. I glued small tan pipe cleaners to my outfit since they are pointy on the end and ironed on felt letters that said “can’t touch this.”