From Hashtags to High-Fives: Meet Coach Kamryn

If you follow Sports Backers on social media, you may already know Kamryn Lanier as the energetic voice behind the posts and stories. But once a week—and at two big events a year—she trades hashtags for high-fives as Coach Kamryn, the Head Run Club Coach at Shady Hill Mobile Home Community. Now in her second year, Kamryn brings heart, hype, and a whole lot of Beyoncé to every practice.

Kamryn’s coaching journey started as a natural extension of her background: a former college athlete and lifelong camp counselor, she saw Kids On The Move as the perfect way to blend structure, movement, and fun. And while her practices always start with dynamic stretches and a booming playlist, what Kamryn really leads with is love.

“Supportive, innovative, empowering”—that’s how Kamryn describes her coaching style. She’s the kind of coach who doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines. When a kid says “I can’t,” she’s quick to jump in beside them, offering a hand (literally) and reminding them to breathe, pace themselves, and push through. “I do whatever it is they think they can’t do with them,” she says. “I’ll hold their hand on a run and be their biggest cheerleader.”

Kamryn’s favorite lesson isn’t about miles or minutes—it’s about mindset. She sees run club as a space where kids learn resilience, joy, and the power of community. “They’ve taught me that no matter your background or what’s going on in your life, you can always find joy in movement and being surrounded by friends.”

Outside of coaching, Kamryn stays active with morning gym sessions, weightlifting, and dance classes—but she’s also eyeing new challenges. This year she’s planning to run the Around the Crown 10K in Charlotte and compete in a Hyrox event in November. (Yes, she’s already asking for your thoughts and prayers.)

When it comes to post-run festivities, Kamryn’s ideal scene is pure fun: music from Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, and GloRilla, plus snacks that range from apples to Chick-fil-A nuggets, depending on the version of Kamryn that shows up. Her dream running buddy? “A girly who spills the tea, doesn’t make me talk, plays good music, and claps when I take walking breaks.” If Kamryn’s story were a book, she knows the title: “Home is Where We Run.” At Shady Hill, that title couldn’t feel more true.

Read the full interview below:

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

We start every practice off by turning up the music and doing some fun dynamic stretches.

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

I think kids learn how to push through challenges, how to leave their worries aside while they’re exercising for an hour and they learn that moving your body isn’t as hard as it seems and they can have fun while doing it!

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

A lot of the time I do whatever it is they think they can’t do with them! I will hold their hand on a run and be their biggest cheerleader. I also remind them of the things they’ve learned to help them while running – like maintaining a puppy jog, or to breathe in through their nose to slow their breathing down after a run.

Describe your coaching style in three words.

Supportive. Innovative. Empowering.

What’s one thing your runners have taught you?

That no matter your background or what’s going on in your life, you can always find joy in movement and being surrounded by friends.

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

I am planning to do the Around The Crown 10k in Charlotte, NC this August and competing in a Hyrox competition this November!!!!!! Omg. Keep me in your thoughts.

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

I go to the gym every morning and lift weights! My favorite days are when I also go to line dancing/Zumba classes.

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

Why’d you ghost us?

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

Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion and Glo Rilla for sure. For snacks – Skinny Kam says apples, Everyday Kam says chips, chocolate chip cookies, and some Chick-fil-A nuggets!

Describe your dream running buddy — real, fictional, or animal.

A girly who spills the tea to me and doesn’t make me talk, wears matching outfits with me, plays good music and claps for me when I take walking breaks.

If your coaching journey were turned into a book, what would the title be?

“Home is Where We Run”