John Harrison, a high school basketball coach, is facing an unexpected turn in his life when the local manufacturing plant closes, causing many families to move away and leaving his team without players. Struggling with the drastic changes, John is reassigned to coach cross-country, a sport he knows nothing about. To make matters more challenging, his only potential runner is Hannah Scott, a quiet, asthmatic teenager with a troubled home life and little self-confidence. Through this new and reluctant partnership, both John and Hannah start to navigate their personal trials and tribulations, discovering strength they never knew they had.

As John prepares Hannah for the biggest race of her life, he encounters various hurdles in his own journey. With the support of his wife and colleagues, he begins to see coaching and life from a different perspective, learning valuable lessons on faith, perseverance, and identity. Through training sessions and heartfelt conversations, John becomes more invested in Hannah's development, while also reflecting on his own purpose and direction. This transformative journey for both the coach and the runner sets the stage for meaningful growth and unexpected triumphs.