2023 Blue KC Coaches with Character Honoree Reggie Morris – month of May
Blue KC and the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation have announced Raytown South High School coach Reggie Morris as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for May.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the “C” You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Raytown South varsity boys’ basketball coach Reggie Morris as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of May. Now in his second year at Raytown South, Morris is no stranger to the game of basketball. He made a name for himself in the Kansas City region after his team won back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019 while he was the head coach at Grandview High School.
Growing up, Morris was always around the game of basketball. His father was a coach and ultimately helped him develop into a highly successful player. Morris played for his father when he was in high school before continuing his career at Creighton University. Once his playing days ended, his coaching days immediately began. He spent more than a decade at Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, Nebraska before transitioning to Missouri. Ultimately, in 2006, he began his tenure at Grandview High School until he was named head coach in 2014.
“My proudest moments have been coaching both of my sons in state championship games in 2009, 2018 and 2019,” said Morris. “I was also able to see my former player, Alec Burks, get drafted in the NBA in 2011. I enjoy having former players return and thank me for preparing them for life after high school, and after sports.”
Since taking over the reins at Raytown South, Morris has noticed just how rich the basketball tradition is, and how the school and student body rallies around their varsity program. Morris’ highly acclaimed resume includes being named a two-time KC Metro Basketball Coach of the Year, the Conference Coach of the Year award winner in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the District Coach of the Year for four consecutive years from 2017-2020.
“The best advice that I give players is to not let your negative experiences define you in a negative way,” said Morris. “The challenges you face in sports and life are designed to strengthen you. Sports are an epitome of life. What you put into it; you will get out of it. You will learn more from your defeats than your victories.”
Wherever Morris has coached, he successfully changed the culture for the better. While mostly every stop has seen drastic improvements on the court, he has had the inspiring ability to help shape the lives of young men and prepare them for the next chapters of their lives.
“Instilling standards in players is important because it helps in developing a mindset of expectations that are required in order to be successful,” said Morris. “This also helps in building character in players and a strong culture within the basketball program.”
“Throughout his coaching career, Reggie has been able to successfully demonstrate to his teams a respectable and responsible code of conduct,” said Morris’ nominator, Martha Stevenson. “He has always held his teams to a code of conduct that was appreciated by everyone he came in contact with.”
“Coach Morris has unparalleled success on the basketball court, but has made an even bigger mark outside of the gymnasium,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The life-long bonds and friendships he has been able to create with his current and former players are critical to continuing to enhance their learning and development. While he’s seen as their highly successful basketball coach, he’s also seen in the community as a leader, educator, friend and supporter. We’re proud to highlight Coach Morris as the May winner of this prestigious award.”
“I’m very honored to be a recipient of the Blue KC Coaches with Character award,” said Morris. “To be recognized for one of the most important traits that I base my coaching philosophy around is a tremendous honor.”
Blue KC Coaches with Character recipients are honored monthly at Kauffman Stadium during Kansas City Royals home games, and fans are encouraged to nominate coaches who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.cyouinthemajorleagues.org/BlueKC/.
Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs.
Blue KC Coaches With Character Program
