Hello! My name is Fiona Smeltzer and I am so happy to be a part of Girls on the
Run Bay Area! I've lived in Marin County my whole life and have seen how this program
has empowered young girls in this community as I've grown up.

I am currently a Senior at Dominican University of California studying psychology
with a minor in creative writing. I want to become a psychotherapist one day. I was very
involved with all types of sports while I was growing up, trying everything from soccer
and softball to gymnastics and track and field.

I truly found my passion when I began rowing competitively at Marin Rowing
Association in High School. I went on to row D1 at Saint Mary’s College of California for
three years. Throughout my rowing career I learned how important running is. There are
so many benefits it can have for the mind and body as well as the comradery it provides
between teammates. Most of our practices incorporated running daily and it truly helped
shape our performance both with endurance and the battle the mind has with the body
when pushing yourself past comfortable boundaries to achieve extraordinary feats. My
favorite ways to stay active now are weight lifting, skiing and running. I love how
accessible running is because I can do it anywhere I am!

I was moved to join Girls on the Run because of how friendly everyone I meet
here is and to be a part of the wonderful mission to help girls build confidence and
positive social skills at a young age in combination with a healthy active lifestyle. As I
continue this internship with GOTRBA I am excited to help more young girls find a
passion for staying active and finding lasting meaningful friendships with other girls that
have fun running together. I truly believe finding this community can positively impact
their lives forever.