International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
At WLTF we are proud to celebrate our fabulous female coaches and co-founders as we lead the way in creating an inclusive sports environment. Ellie founded West London Pole Vault in 2012 then joined forces with Laura in 2014 to create West London Track & Field. Since then, they have been a shining light for female success in track and field and beyond.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate our team of coaches.
Ellie - Pole Vault Coach
What I love most about coaching is helping athletes discover what they’re capable of. Pole vault is such a technical and challenging event, so watching someone work through those challenges, build confidence, and achieve something they didn’t think was possible is incredibly rewarding. Coaching also allows me to stay connected to a sport that has given me so much, and to pass that knowledge and experience on to the next generation.
A defining part of my coaching journey has been seeing the club grow from small beginnings in 2013 as West London Pole Vault to what is now West London Track & Field, with a host of excellent coaches working together to develop athletes of all ages and abilities across multiple events. Seeing athletes reach their potential is always incredibly fulfilling, especially when they earn their first international representation or stand on the podium at national championships.
What advice would you give to young girls who want to get into coaching? Get involved early and don’t be afraid to learn as you go. Spend time around experienced coaches, ask questions, and stay curious about why things work. Coaching is about people as much as it is about sport, so building relationships and communicating well with athletes is just as important as technical knowledge. If you enjoy helping others improve and grow, coaching can be an incredibly rewarding path.
Laura - Sprints/Hurdles/Combined Events Coach
I love watching people realise their potential and make progress when they have worked so hard. Helping athletes develop on and off the track is very rewarding.
A defining moment in my career was coaching the GB Women’s 4x100m team to GOLD at the World Relays in 2025. The team consisted of 2 athletes we had brought through from the junior ranks and highlighted that our process of developing these young athletes within our relay programme was really working!
My advice to anyone who wants to start coaching is to be ready for anything coaching is so much more than writing a training plan; build a network of people around you and remember it is meant to be fun!
Lara - Youth Coach
What I love the most about coaching is helping athletes realise their potential, and watching their confidence grow. I also love the sense of community that comes with being a coach at WLTF.
A defining moment for me came in my second year of coaching during the summer period when I realised how happy it makes me to see the athletes enjoying racing and training. Moments when the athletes achieve their goals reminds me how meaningful coaching can be.
My advice to young girls would be to not be scared and ask yourself ‘what if’ in a negative context, and always be willing to learn along the way!
Sara - Juniors Coach
What I love about coaching is giving the opportunity for children to have fun and socialise especially in a world where it is more common for children to interact online than in person. Providing them with the opportunity to do sports allows them to keep both physically and mentally healthy, while building friendships.
A defining moment in my coaching journey so far has been working with children with needs, who were initially very shy, and helping them get more comfortable with the group each week. Seeing their confidence grow and their participation within the group increase has been incredibly rewarding.
I would tell young girls who want to get into coaching to not be afraid to try new things. I started my coaching journey when there was an opportunity to volunteer at my club and taking this chance was one of the best decisions I have made. It allowed me to progress and eventually become a coach. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn from others and experiment.
What I love most about coaching is being part of someone’s development. Supporting someone as they grow, improve, and discover what they’re capable of — both as an athlete and as a person — is incredibly rewarding.
Simona - Juniors Coach
Coaching has actually been a big part of my own life since I was very young. I grew up being coached, and it played a huge role in shaping who I am today. My coaches were always there to guide me, support me, and help me mature. Some of them even became strong parental figures in my life, and to this day I still keep many of them close.
Because of that, when I coach, I try to give the athletes the same things I was given — respect, understanding, and guidance. I try to be a lighthouse for them on their journey, just like my coaches were for me.
For me, coaching hasn’t been defined by one single moment. It’s been more of a gradual journey of growth.
Because I’m both an athlete and a coach, the two roles are closely connected. Coaching others and helping them stay motivated has also helped me stay committed to my own athletic journey. There have been moments when I’ve felt like giving up, but seeing the athletes work hard and look up to me has reminded me why I started. It made me realize that coaching is truly a two-way relationship. While I try to guide and support the athletes, they often end up inspiring me just as much.
My biggest advice to young girls who want to get into coaching would be to simply start. There’s no perfect way to begin coaching and no moment when you’ll feel completely ready. Coaching is a skill that develops through experience, and most of the learning happens along the way. When I first started coaching, I was quite young and I learned by doing. I made mistakes, gained experience, and gradually developed my own style. If coaching is something you’re passionate about, find a mentor, surround yourself with people you can learn from, and take the first step. Coaching is a beautiful journey that not only develops you as a coach, but also shapes you as a person. The lessons you learn through it stay with you for life.