Book Private Track-and-field Lessons with Coach Gionna
Unlock your full potential and achieve your long-distance running goals!
Unlock your full potential and achieve your long-distance running goals!
Hi! I'm Gionna. I have over 10 years of experience in long-distance running and recently graduated from North Carolina State University, where I competed on the Cross Country and Track Team. During my college career, I had the privilege of training alongside some of the nation’s top distance runners and learning from Laurie Henes, one of the most esteemed D1 cross country and track coaches. I was honored to become an All-American and contribute to three national championship-winning teams. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in this sport, and I am excited to bring that expertise to my coaching. My goal is to help you unlock your potential and achieve your running dreams through personalized, effective training plans.
Raleigh, NC
Available: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
0 Lessons
- Track-and-field
- Background Check
- Contact Information
- Experience Verified
Choose Lesson Package
Participants
1
Try Coach Gionna risk free. If you don't love your first lesson, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund.
Get to know Coach Gionna
About Me:
North Carolina State University:
- All-American in the 10,000 meters
- ACC Runner-Up in the 10,000 meters
- 6x All-ACC Performer
- Apart of the 3x National Championship winning teams for NC State Women's Cross Country
- Division 1 National Championship Qualifier in the 10,000 meters
- 2x All-Region Cross Country Team
- 4x NCAA East Regional Qualifier
How I can help you improve your game:
Understanding the individual and their experience with long-distance running is the first and most important step in helping them improve. Once I gain insight into their background, I can tailor a training plan that aligns with their unique strengths, addresses their weaknesses, and supports their overall goals for the season.
I will design workouts that challenge the athlete appropriately, pushing them to new levels while ensuring the workload is manageable and progressive. During these sessions, I provide constructive feedback, helping the athlete understand what they are doing well and identifying areas where they can improve. This feedback is crucial for fostering growth and confidence in their abilities.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
Monday: Normal Continuous Run + Strides
Tuesday: Workout
Wednesday: Moderate Long Run or Cross Training Day
Thursday: Normal Continuous Run + Strides
Friday: Workout
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: Rest and Recovery Day
This schedule represents a typical week of training under my guidance, based on the program I followed as a Division 1 Athlete. The goal is to help you develop a strong foundation as a distance runner. The mileage and paces for your normal runs and workouts will be personalized according to your current level and individual needs. This approach allows for progressive improvement, ensuring that you build both endurance and speed efficiently. Each session serves a specific purpose to help you reach your full potential in distance running.
Career summary and accomplishments:
I have gained valuable experience volunteering at Athens Drive High School, where I had the privilege of contributing to the athletic program. During my time there, I assisted in leading workouts and practices, providing hands-on support to runners. I also offered guidance and personalized recommendations to help athletes enhance their performance and reach their goals. My expertise stems largely from my background as a Division 1 athlete, where I developed a deep understanding of training strategies and athletic development.
Best coach I ever had:
The best coach I have ever had is Laurie Henes. I have had the privilege of being coached by her over the past four years at NC State, and she has transformed me into a runner beyond what I ever thought possible. Under her guidance, I achieved milestones that once seemed out of reach, growing both as an athlete and as a person.
Laurie Henes has an outstanding history of success, having led the NC State Women's Cross Country team to three consecutive National Championship titles. Her success as a coach stems not only from her expertise in training but also from her genuine care for her athletes as individuals. She goes beyond the physical aspects of running, taking the time to understand and support each athlete's personal well-being, academic goals, and life aspirations.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
One important thing I want parents and athletes to know about me is that my goal is to make this experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. Running has transformed my life, shaping me into the person I am today and equipping me with valuable skills that extend beyond athletics into everyday life. Given the impact this sport has had on me, I am passionate about helping others experience the same growth and success.
My goal is to create an environment where every athlete feels welcomed, supported, and believed in. It's important to me that each runner knows they are valued not only for their athletic performance but also for who they are as individuals. I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where athletes can thrive, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
How it works
Find a Coach
Browse our roster of vetted private coaches to find the right fit for you.
Book Lessons
Book and schedule your lessons through our platform.
Start Training
Meet your coach in-person or virtually, and start chasing down your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact a coach?
If you’re looking to message a coach for the first time, go to their profile and click “Send a Message”. A type box will show, where you can enter and send your message. To follow up with a coach you've already contacted, log into your account and find the 'Inbox' tab. You'll see your message history and be able to send another note.
How do I book lessons?
Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
Can I pay my coach via Venmo or cash?
Paying AU coaches via cash, Venmo, or any 3rd party is strictly prohibited. AU coaches know this, but their partnership with us is to split all bookings 80/20 - so coaches keep 80%. We use our 20% to help them find clients & manage their business. Without the split, we wouldn't be able to help our coaches & community thrive!
What if I don't feel comfortable paying online?
We integrate with Stripe - the largest & most secure payment processor in the US - to facilitate bookings. Paying online is required, and it simplifies the process for our coaches since it helps track their schedule & earnings in one place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
Where will the coach hold their lessons?
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
When is the coach available to train?
Each coach sets their own schedule for training. You can see a coach's general availability by going to their profile and finding the 'Availability' section - it will list the days and times. If a coach doesn't post their availability, or if your preferred coach doesn't have your desired times available but you want to double check, message them to see if they can work with your schedule.
What if I don't love the first lesson?
The AU guarantee (refund policy) has you covered! If you find yourself needing to cancel or adjust your booking within 24 hours of your purchase, just let us know. We'll provide a refund - no questions asked. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're here to support your learning journey.
Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
AU was created by former collegiate and professional athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process and we proudly showcase a 10% acceptance rate, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!
© 2025 Athletes Untapped. All rights reserved.