Cassie Jay, an 8th-grade language arts teacher and head coach of Benton Jr. High’s girls’ track team, embodies the qualities of an educator and mentor dedicated to nurturing both academic and athletic potential. With a passion for building confidence and empowering young women, Jay’s leadership on the track inspires her athletes to dream big and work hard.

Although her background is in volleyball—a sport she still coaches at the high school level—Cassie embraced the opportunity to lead the junior high girls’ track team five years ago. Despite the steep learning curve, her drive to connect with students and her willingness to embrace challenges propelled her forward.

“I enjoy interacting with the girls outside the classroom,” she explains. “Building relationships is key. When you have a good relationship with your athletes, they’re more willing to work hard for you.”

Cassie’s approach to coaching is rooted in a growth mindset, both for herself and her athletes. “Track is a very strategic sport,” she says. “It’s about identifying strengths, building skills, and setting realistic goals for each girl to succeed.”

Track and field is unique in its ability to offer every athlete an opportunity to excel, even if they don’t take first place. Cassie emphasizes personal growth and celebrates small victories, such as improved personal records.

“One of my favorite moments was last year when a shot-putter aimed to throw 28 feet to qualify for state,” she recalls. “She did it, and seeing her accomplish that goal was incredibly rewarding.”

For Cassie, success isn’t just about medals—it’s about instilling confidence in her athletes. “Not everyone starts as the fastest or the strongest,” she explains. “But with hard work, every girl can improve and see the results of her efforts.”

Managing a team of 20 athletes from sixth through eighth grades requires balancing camaraderie with individual focus. Cassie and her assistant coach, Mallory Martin, foster a supportive environment where every athlete feels valued.

“We want the girls to know they’re part of something special,” Cassie says. “They might not win every race, but their dedication and growth matter. We celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.”

Cassie highlights the camaraderie that develops among her athletes, especially during track meets. “In track, everyone cheers for each other,” she says. “Whether a runner finishes first or last, they’re celebrated. That’s the kind of environment we want to create—one where every effort is recognized.”

With only one track shared by junior high and high school teams, limited resources can be a challenge. Hosting track meets requires significant volunteer support for timing and field events, making it difficult to organize home meets. Despite these challenges, Cassie is proud of the team’s progress.

“We haven’t won a regional title yet, but we’ve come in second and third, and we’ve sent athletes to state every year,” she says. “In fact, we’ve had a state champion pole vaulter who even broke the Illinois junior high record. That was a huge moment for our program.”

Cassie’s vision for the future includes stronger community support, both through attendance at meets and by volunteering. “When the girls see people cheering for them, it motivates them to perform their best,” she says. “Community involvement makes a big difference.”

Cassie’s ultimate goal as a coach is to empower her athletes. She understands the pressures young girls face, from body image issues to self-doubt, and works to build their confidence.

“Junior high girls are often self-conscious and want to blend in instead of standing out,” she explains. “I want them to know they have a purpose and should celebrate what they’re good at. They need to feel seen, important, and capable of achieving their goals.”

Cassie draws on her experiences as a parent to connect with her athletes. “I’ve raised a daughter, so I understand the struggles these girls face,” she says. “I want them to know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”