2023 Blue KC Coaches with Character Honoree Tim Kennedy – month of June
Blue KC and the “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation have announced Blue Valley High School coach Tim Kennedy as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for June.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the “C” You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Blue Valley High School Varsity Baseball Coach Tim Kennedy as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of June. A graduate of Blue Valley High School in 1990, Kennedy put together a successful 2023 campaign in his first year as head coach at his alma mater after having previously served as a math teacher and an assistant coach at the school since 2013.
Kennedy’s coaching and teaching background originated in 1997, shortly after graduating from Kansas State University. After five years as an assistant coach at Bishop Miege High School, Kennedy was named head coach of the Stags and served in that role from 2003-2011 before his tenure at Blue Valley High School began in 2013.
“While coaching at Blue Valley, I have had the amazing opportunity to coach my oldest son in baseball, my daughter in basketball from kindergarten through eighth grade and currently continuing to coach my youngest son in baseball as well,” said Kennedy. “The best piece of advice I received and pass along to them was to just be yourself and you’ll do great.”
During his coaching career at Blue Valley, Kennedy has been part of four state championships and has enjoyed the tradition-rich program. He constantly reminds his players that no one actually knows when their final game could be played, so be sure to leave everything out on the field every time you get a chance to compete. It’s also important to remember how fortunate you are to be able to play the game you love, and to be able to come to class and school on a daily basis to further your education.
“Players will rise or fall to the expectations of a program or coach,” said Kennedy. “We expect our players to represent our program well, as they are lucky to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We hope this opportunity helps our players to drive themselves to be the best player and person they can be, both on and off the field, year-round.”
Over the past 28 years of coaching, Kennedy has helped create countless memories and impressions on those who have been through his program. He has been able to watch his former players and students graduate and move into the next phases of their lives and he takes pride in knowing that his involvement has helped shape them into the young adults they grow up to be.
“There are many, many coaches, teachers and people who have meant so much to me over the years and helped shape what I do on a daily basis,” said Kennedy. “My wife Theresa has stuck with me through all of the ups and downs of good and bad days of coaching. She has sacrificed so much to allow me to continue coaching, as we raise our very busy family.”
“Coach Kennedy is what first class looks like as a teacher and a coach,” said Kennedy’s nominator, Peggy Rose. “He works with his students in Algebra 2 and AP Calculus in the same way he works with his high school baseball players – in a patient, respectful and encouraging manner that fosters a sense of confidence that has manifested itself in several league and state titles, as well as success in the mathematics classroom. He always does the right thing and wants what is best for the team and to make kids better through sports. Tim always has time to talk and listen to fellow coaches, teachers, students and athletes.”
“The outpouring of support Coach Kennedy has received from those around him throughout his coaching career is admirable,” Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “His success on the diamond and in the classroom helps make him a wonderful role model to those around him. Coach Kennedy also has had the luxury of coaching his own children and helped create memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. It’s our honor to recognize Coach Kennedy as our Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of June. Congratulations!”
“Although I am not a person that looks for or worries much about recognition or honors, this is very meaningful since it has much more to do with character rather than just coaching,” said Kennedy.
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
