2026 Blue KC Coaches With Character Honoree Drew Garner
Turner High School Girls and Boys Golf Coach featured the month of August
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the “C” You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Turner High School girls and boys head golf coach Drew Garner as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of August.
“I know that golf opens doors that a lot of people don’t realize are out there, so I want our kids to have those opportunities,” said Garner. “I’m always looking for different practice ideas, drills, course management strategies or little tips that might help our golfers improve.”
For more than a decade, Garner has been at the head of the golf program for Turner High School – 15 years as the girls coach and 10 years coaching the boys. He’s experienced the highs and lows of competition, but every season he returns to his core values that help strengthen everyone within the program.
“We try to help our players focus on getting better one shot at a time,” said Garner. “Golf can be frustrating. Some days you’re hitting it great, and other days nothing seems to go right. I tell our student-athletes to have fun and enjoy the game, while also learning how to do it the correct and proper way.”
With a lengthy tenure at Turner High School, Garner leans on his familiarity with the school, administration, and facilities to help him maximize his coaching and get the best out of his student-athletes on a day-to-day basis. He wants golf to be accessible to anyone who has interest, while taking pride in watching his players improve throughout the season, during their high school careers, and ultimately in state tournaments that lead to potential scholarship opportunities at the next level.
“Most of our golfers have never picked up a golf club before they come out for the team, and a lot of them don’t even own clubs,” said Garner. “Thankfully, we’ve had a lot of support from community members, teachers, country clubs, and former players who have donated clubs over the years. These donations have made a huge difference for our program.”
Garner has always gone the extra mile to help his golfers and has been using a simple phrase for nearly the past 20 years that allows him to put everything in perspective: ‘Live life with PASSION’. This mindset has allowed him to prioritize the things that matter most – his family, coaching, teaching, health, and the people around him. He continually reminds himself that if he’s going to do something, he wants to do it with purpose and passion.
“I try to meet every kid where they’re at,” said Garner. “Every player is different. Some need additional help with their swing. Others need help with course management or someone to listen to them. One thing our team always does on the drive home from practice is answering these four questions: What did you learn today? What do you need to work on? What did you do well? And did you have fun? It keeps everyone thinking about getting a little better every day, while also remembering to enjoy the game.”
“Drew defines what it means to be a leader, mentor, and advocate for student-athletes in an urban high school setting, where the barriers to entry for a sport like golf can often feel insurmountable,” said Garner’s nominator David Hagan. “Drew refuses to let financial circumstances dictate a student’s potential or hinder their desire to play. He works tirelessly year-round, leveraging community connections, organizing fundraisers, and seeking out donations to secure clubs, bags, balls, and any other gear his players need. He doesn’t just coach swing mechanics; he invests deeply in the personal growth, academic success, and future prospects of every kid on his roster.”
“The longevity Drew has shown to the Turner High School community is admirable and exemplifies his passion and commitment to student-athletes and the game of golf,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC President. “He runs an efficient and commendable program and teaches high schoolers the essentials they need to learn, grow, and prepare for next chapters of their lives. It’s an honor to recognize him for the Blue KC Coaches with Character award. Congratulations!”
“One of the things I love most about coaching golf is that you’re walking alongside your players for four or five hours,” said Garner. “You end up talking about school, family, future plans, and life – not just golf. Some of the best conversations happen between shots.”
Blue KC Coaches with Character recipients are honored monthly at Kauffman Stadium during Kansas City Royals home games, and fans are encouraged to nominate high school coaches who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateCoachesWithCharacter.
Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs
Blue KC Coaches With Character program
