Courtney Banister

Nominated by her husband, Zach Banister

Not every impact shows up in race results. Sometimes, it shows up in the people you help along the way. That’s Courtney.

Zach has known Courtney for 17 years going back to days around Scheels and growing into a life built around running, family, and community. Courtney herself ran for Shanley as a sprinter (and, as noted, still hasn’t beaten Zach in a race… a detail that clearly still matters 😄), along with some cross country. Since then, she’s completed multiple half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and still finds her way into the occasional coaches sprint relay.

But what stands out most about Courtney isn’t how many races she runs, it’s how many people she impacts.

For over a decade, she’s been a coach for Shanley cross country and track, working with athletes at every level, from elementary to junior high to varsity. She genuinely loves it. You can see it in the way she talks about practice, the stories she tells, and even the laughs about how tough her ab circuits are (something her athletes will definitely confirm).

She has a way of connecting with kids. Of pushing them while still making them feel supported. Of helping them believe in themselves. And it shows, whether it’s athletes telling her she’s their favorite coach or the moment this year when she received a standing ovation during team introductions.

Beyond Shanley, she’s also stepped into a mentorship role with BioGirls, helping guide young girls through a running-based program focused on confidence and healthy living. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always get spotlighted, but it leaves a lasting impact.

At home, that same support shows up in a different way. She’s been the reason Zach even started running in the first place. She’s the one cheering from multiple spots on the course, the one making sure there’s time carved out for training, the one driving to early morning races (even if it’s not her favorite thing), and the one getting them home afterward when the legs are done.

She shows up. For her athletes. For her family. For her community.

And because of that, a lot of people are running further than they ever thought they could.

Your energetic spirit inspires others to leap into action and chase their dreams.