Brooke Moseley: The Power of the Pride

Early mornings aren’t easy, but for the Marguerite Christian Elementary School Lions (MCES), they’re where something special happens. Leading the way is Coach Brooke Moseley, a powerhouse Run Club coach who helps students to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement. More than just the MCES Run Club coach, Brooke also serves as the school’s PE teacher and was recently named as the Kids On The Move 2025 Volunteer Coach of the Year. These attributes, and many more, reflect the passion, heart, and energy she brings to every (s)mile.

Each practice begins not with a whistle, but with connection. As students arrive, there’s time to welcome them, chat, and let conversations flow while they walk and talk together before stretching and heading outside. It’s a simple routine, but one that sets the tone: Run Club is about more than miles; it’s about community!

Ask Coach Moseley what makes her the proudest, and the answer is simple: “the students showing up”. Whether it’s before school practices or race days, her students consistently rise to the challenge. Over a 12–14 week season, most students log an incredible 20–30 miles, learning firsthand that consistency adds up.

That belief is central to the mission of MCES Run Club. Beyond physical fitness, students are learning resiliency, confidence, and an appreciation for how strong their bodies really are. When the inevitable “I can’t do this” moment hits, the message is simple and empowering: put one foot in front of the other. Even walking means you’re still moving forward.

Coach Moseley’s running journey began shortly after college, when she signed up for her first official race: the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. This wasn’t just any race; it was one she ran alongside her father, who had long been her running role model. Growing up, Coach Moseley cheered him on from the sidelines of that very same course. Running it together was a full-circle moment she’ll never forget!

One step at a time, the MCES Lions are learning they can do hard things, and their coach is right there with them, cheering them on. If MCES Run Club had a motto it would be loud and clear: “Power of the Pride!”As MCES Lions, the runners carry that energy into every practice and race. It reflects Brooke’s own style, which she hopes is felt as “loving, motivating, and supportive.”

Read the full interview below:

What’s your favorite way to kick off a run club practice? 

I love having the chance to welcome the students in and chat with them as they walk and talk before we stretch and head outside.

What’s a moment with your team that made you feel especially proud to be a coach?

Each practice that they show up before school and on race days! We keep track of the students’ total miles throughout the Run Club season and I have students running 20-30 miles over a 12-14 week period! Additionally, the first time I had a 4th and 5th grader finish the full 10k!

What do you think kids learn from run club besides just running?

I think students learn resiliency and how strong their body is.

If your run club had a motto or team chant, what would it be?

Power of the Pride! — We are the MCES lions! 

How do you help runners push past the “I can’t do this” moments?

By reminding them to put one foot in the other and if they walk a little they are still moving forward, closer to the finish.

What’s a small habit that makes a big difference in a runner’s progress?

Showing up! My students wake up early and put in the work each Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Describe your coaching style in three words.

I hope it is received as loving, motivating and supportive.

What’s one thing your runners have taught you?

To not give up, they show up and work hard!

When did you first feel like a “real” runner?

After college, before I was too involved with sports (which had plenty of running) but this was the first time I signed up for an actual race– the Monument Ave 10k.

What was your very first race like — and would you do it again?

My first race was after college, I ran the Monument 10k with my father. It was such as awesome experience to run it with him. I had grown up cheering him on at the 10k.

What’s a bucket list race or running challenge you’d love to take on?

I would love to travel to another country and run a half marathon. In May I will run the Pittsburgh half marathon with a sorority sister. This will be my first out of state half marathon!

Who was your running role model growing up (or now)?

My father, I grew up cheering him on at the Monument Avenue 10k.

What’s your favorite non-running way to move or stay active?

November Project at the VMFA Wednesday mornings. I love the workouts and the group is fun and a huge motivator at 6 AM.

If your running shoes could talk, what would they say?

Something like– “oh the places you’ll go!”

You’re designing the ultimate post-run party. What’s on the playlist, and what snacks are a must?

Tacos and hype/celebration music!

If you could design your dream race course, what cool features would it have?

Good views of nature and any body of water would be a must with very little incline. 

What’s a silly or surprising pre-run ritual you have (even if it’s just in your head)?

My pre-race ritual is always pasta! Joe’s Inn or Ariana’s are my go-tos.

If run club were turned into a cartoon, what would your character be like?

Either the road runner or Taz— there are so many moving parts and sometimes we have to pivot (such as inclement weather and we can’t go outside) but in the end it all works out and the kids are moving.

If you had to wear one costume for a themed race forever, what would it be?

I think my turkey trot outfit for school, it’s an inflatable and the kids LOVE IT.