How Natalie Bundschu is shaping a generation of strong girls in Decatur
By Michael J. Pallerino
There’s something unmistakable about Natalie Bundschu’s presence. An easy calm. A grounded warmth. A sense that whatever challenge lies ahead, things are going to be okay. That’s the kind of energy she brings to every Girls on the Run (GOTR) practice. And after 21 seasons, it’s no exaggeration to say she’s helped shape the lives—and hearts—of countless young girls in the Decatur community.
Since 2014, when she first stepped in as a coach at Clairemont Elementary, Bundschu has been a steady force in the Girls on the Run Georgia program. As a teacher, she recognized that what these girls needed wasn’t just a running program—it was a space where social-emotional learning (SEL) met real-world experience, where confidence could take root and where friendship could bloom alongside finish-line goals.
“At the time, it was the only after-school program that directly taught Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). And it gave the girls real experiences to practice what they were learning.” It wasn’t long before she saw just how much of a difference it could make—and how important it was that someone committed to showing up every season.
Now based at Talley Street Upper Elementary, Bundschu continues to coach with the same dedication and joy that brought her in over a decade ago. The numbers are impressive—21 seasons, hundreds of girls—but it’s the individual stories that stay with her. There’s one in particular. A former participant who wrote Bundschu a letter after the season saying, “I used to think I wasn’t pretty, but now I know I am beautiful inside and out.”
It was simple. Profound. And exactly why Bundschu keeps showing up. “That’s the heart of Girls on the Run. It’s about helping girls see their worth, their strength—not just as runners or students, but as whole people.”
While many associate the program with physical training, Bundschu is quick to point out that it has never been just about running. “Funny enough, I’m not a runner myself. I love to walk and observe the world around me. It’s meditative. And that’s what I love about GOTR—the girls can go at their own pace. They set their own goals, and the celebration is about personal progress, not perfection.”
Mind over movement
For Bundschu, the lessons that matter most aren’t just about movement—they are about mindset. Through creative activities and group discussions, girls learn to manage emotions, practice empathy, and support each other in a way that feels organic and empowering. These lessons are so impactful, she even brings some of them into her own classroom. “I use the same language. And as a leader, I’ve learned to approach others with more empathy. GOTR really reminds us that we’re all human, that we make mistakes, and that growth comes from learning together.”
Her impact isn’t confined to the school yard. Through service projects—care packages for children’s hospitals, support for animal shelters, even notes sent overseas—Bundschu has helped broaden her team’s sense of community. “The girls love knowing they’re making a difference beyond themselves.”
As Girls on the Run Georgia celebrates its 25th anniversary, Bundschu’s dedication stands as a testament to the program’s enduring power. What’s kept her coming back? The opportunity to give every girl a chance to hear the messages they may not get anywhere else. “If I wasn’t here, they might not have this opportunity. It’s a crucial part of growing up.”
To those considering volunteering, Bundschu doesn’t sugarcoat it—coaching is a commitment. But it’s also a gift. “It will change you. Almost every lesson, someone says something so insightful, it stops me in my tracks. To hear that kind of wisdom from kids—it’s really special.”
If you are interested in getting involved, Girls on the Run Georgia is actively seeking volunteers in Decatur. For more information, visit www.girlsontherunga.org or email programs@girlsontherunga.org to learn how you can help shape the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders.
