{"id":2853,"date":"2024-04-10T11:36:25","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=2853"},"modified":"2024-06-07T10:53:44","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T15:53:44","slug":"2024-blue-kc-coaches-with-character-honoree-mari-foster-month-of-april","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/community-and-culture\/sports-partnerships-community-and-culture\/2024-blue-kc-coaches-with-character-honoree-mari-foster-month-of-april\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Blue KC Coaches With Character Honoree Mari Foster \u2013 month of April"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Blue KC and the Kansas City Royals<\/a> have announced Lincoln Prep Dance Coach Mari Foster as the Blue KC Coaches With Character honoree for April<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the \u201cC\u201d You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Lincoln Prep Middle & High School Dance Coach Mari Foster as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of April. A well-rounded and inspirational leader, Foster has been a head coach in the Kansas City Public School District for more than 25 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all started at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School back in 1998. Her coaching debut with the \u2018Tigerettes\u2019 jump-started an unforgettable journey full of memorable moments, outstanding opportunities and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. In 2005, the Lincoln High School dance team, better known as TDT (Tiger Dance Team), was created. It didn\u2019t take long until Foster helped the program reach its first state appearance in 2008, ultimately becoming the Missouri State Dance Team Champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile that was my most proud moment<\/em> as a coach, one of my most proud accomplishments<\/em> is being the most consistent coach in the Kansas City Public School District, coaching the same team from 1998 to the present,\u201d said Foster. \u201cI am going on my third year as the Director of Spirit Teams for the Kansas City Public School District as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to dance, Foster has also been the head boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 track and field coach at East High School since 2019 and is USA Track and Field Level 1 certified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe best part about coaching is that we set the standard for our district,\u201d said Foster. \u201cWe are the longest running program with the most state wins, being coached by the same coach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout her coaching career, Foster has adapted and learned how to get the most out of her student-athletes. Her unwavering commitment to the program has created a culture of inclusivity, hard work, attention-to-detail and ultimately, overall success. As the years go by, her advice and messaging for her student-athletes hasn\u2019t wavered.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Mari Foster meets Sluggerrr for her pre-game recognition on April 9th at Kauffman Stadium (Photo by Amy Kontras\/Kansas City Royals)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cKnow your worth,\u201d said Foster. \u201cBe sure to know your worth and don\u2019t compromise your integrity or beliefs for anyone, or anything. Standards and goals are especially important in our program. Setting those early in the season can help the team focus and stay on task.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foster has become a fixture of success during her tenure at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and has continued to find unique ways to leave her mark on those around her. Despite a more than two-a-half-decade coaching career, her resume spans further yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am also a residential care coordinator at House of Hope KC,\u201d said Foster. \u201cI\u2019m part of a team that works with at-risk youth with a mission of being a guest in the healing process for teens, while also helping pave the way in helping restore their family relationships. We believe that through ministry we can be God\u2019s instruments in reclaiming the stories of teenagers from trauma to triumph.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCoach Foster has been a coach and mentor to hundreds of students in multiple schools throughout her illustrious career,\u201d said Foster\u2019s nominator, Lee Allen. \u201cIn addition to founding the Tiger Dance Team and growing it into one of the best dance teams in Missouri, she\u2019s also helped capture multiple state championships and have had several of her student-athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. Because of her love of children, Kansas City Public Schools asked her to serve in a role where she can mentor other district dance teams, and replicate her success district wide. She means so much to so many students, past and present.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ability of Coach Foster to dedicate so much of her life, more than 25 years, to working with student-athletes and teaching them the values, opportunities and benefits of competitive dance is inspiring and wonderful,\u201d said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. \u201cOur community is fortunate to have someone as passionate about her role as a coach and educator as Mari Foster. Her success and willingness to go above and beyond what is expected, in all aspects of life, should not go unnoticed, which is why we\u2019re honored to recognize her as a monthly winner of the Blue KC Coaches with Character award. Congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs.<\/h3>

Blue KC Coaches With Character Program<\/p> <\/div>\n

\n \n Nominate your High School Coach Today!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
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