In 2016, Denise Zaragoza was a third grade participant in Girls on the Run LA. At the end of her season, she attended the GOTRLA 5K, not knowing exactly what to expect. 

“I remember feeling so inspired seeing girls and women from so many different backgrounds come together to exercise, support one another, and celebrate movement,” she shares. “It was such a powerful experience for me.” 

That moment stayed with her. 

After her season, Denise began searching for spaces in her community where girls could grow and thrive in sports. That search led her to her local recreation center and eventually to soccer, where she discovered both a passion and a sense of purpose. Today, Denise is a Recreation Instructor with Girls Play LA. She coaches and helps lead the ACFC x GPLA Girls Soccer Leadership Academy, creating the same kind of supportive, empowering environments that once inspired her. Looking back, Denise now recognizes how rare those all-girl spaces truly are. 

“Something as simple as having a space just for girls can actually be seen as controversial, even though it is so necessary,” she shares. “Programs like Girls on the Run are not just about running. They create an environment where girls can build confidence, form friendships, and feel proud of what their bodies can do without comparison or pressure.” Her experience in the program shaped the way she sees herself and others, inspiring her to give back through mentorship, coaching, and advocating for girls’ sports equity. “Little 8-year-old me had no idea how fortunate I was to be part of something so intentional and impactful,” she reflects. 

From participant to leader, Denise’s journey reflects the lasting impact of Girls on the Run, where girls are supported and go on to lead. 

Her advice for girls joining today? “Be in the moment and enjoy it. Do not worry about being first to the finish line. Have fun, make friends, and be yourself.”