Be the inspiration! Encourage someone to join their school’s cross country program and experience the joy of running. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or student, your support can truly make a difference. Let’s spread the love for running and help others discover the benefits and excitement of being part of a cross country team! – Wyoming Valley Striders
How a Wyoming Valley Strider Found Passion in Cross Country Coaching
An athlete since she was a little girl, Jill Snowdon loved playing basketball and soccer before she was even old enough to join a team. Known for her speed as a point guard in basketball and a forward in soccer, sprinting was Jill’s specialty. Endurance was not! Anything over a half mile of running during a practice was awful to Jill. “I hated everything about distance running,” Jill admits. “I loved to use my speed in basketball and soccer, but I just couldn’t maintain it, and I found longer runs boring.”
After her college days at King’s College, where she played basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, Jill sought to keep her athleticism alive. By then a sports writer at The Citizens’ Voice, she covered high school cross country among other sports. It was through reporting on cross country that Jill began to reassess her attitude toward running.
As she observed the often-overlooked sport, Jill developed a deep respect for the cross country athletes she covered. Their self-discipline, dedication, and the camaraderie at each meet left a lasting impression on her. This newfound admiration sparked a desire in Jill to give running a try herself.
Running the Distance
Ten years later, Jill has completed 31 half marathons and eight full marathons, and she’s currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon. Since 2018, she has been a Board Member of the Wyoming Valley Striders and is entering her third year as the head coach of Wyoming Seminary’s cross country team. In addition to coaching, Jill serves as the school’s Director of Communications.
As a coach, Jill enjoys every aspect of the Wyoming Valley Conference cross country community. From our Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial High School Cross Country Meet for grades 7-12, which kicks off the season on Labor Day weekend, to the WVC Coaches Meet in October, and all the way through to the state championships in November, Jill finds continual inspiration at each event.
“There is nothing more special than seeing one of my runners achieve a personal record or win a medal at a big meet. The joy it brings me is immense because I know just how hard they’ve worked,” Jill said. “It’s incredible to witness athletes from different schools supporting and cheering each other on. That’s the beauty of this sport. We all understand the grit and heart required for running, and we want to see others succeed.”
Despite not starting as a distance runner, Jill had to learn a great deal to become both a marathoner and a coach. She credits her running friends and fellow coaches for their invaluable guidance along the way.
Jill continues to learn and asks questions regularly, even drawing insights from her athletes. She acknowledges the dedication of her runners and emphasizes her commitment to their shared experience. Jill always promises that she will never assign a workout she isn’t willing to do herself. Whether it’s a track workout or a 10-mile run, she participates alongside her team. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone is in it together.
The high school cross country season is just a few weeks away, and Jill and the Sem team have met over the summer for non-mandatory runs. She’s happy to see their enthusiasm for the upcoming season. But coaching goes beyond just teaching them about pacing and weekly mileage.
Jill feels fortunate to have met many wonderful people through Wyoming Valley Striders events and other local races. She regularly sends her athletes links to various local races, encouraging them to participate and experience the same support from the running community she has benefited from.
Jill also hopes to see her runners become involved in community races as volunteers and advocates for healthy living. With the dedication she sees, she believes the future of the Wyoming Valley running scene looks bright for years to come.
Students interested in learning more about their school’s cross country program are encouraged to contact the school’s cross country coach.
