2024 Blue KC Coaches with Character Honoree Jill Courter – month of July
Courter coached in Blue Springs school district for past 25 years
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the “C” You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Blue Springs High School girls’ golf coach, Jill Courter, as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of July. With an impressive and highly-decorated resumé, Courter has successfully been coaching in the Blue Springs school district for the past 25 years and has led her school’s varsity golf program since 2007; making life-long impacts on hundreds of student-athletes in the process.
With the high school golf season only spanning a few months, it’s critical for her players to put in work and develop their game during the off-season in order to see improvements year-over-year. Courter understands how frustrating the game of golf can be, and is continually reminding her student-athletes to find something positive in every shot they take.
“I use the word perspective frequently,” said Courter. “I try to remind them when they are having a really rough day on the course to keep things in perspective. Sometimes I even have to remind them to think about the fact that they are out in the beauty of nature, on a gorgeous day – trying to hit a little white ball – while at the very same time there are other teenagers their same age in a hospital fighting for their lives.”
Courter does her best to take pressure off her players by staying positive and in-the-moment while at practice and on the course. She knows first-hand the pressures they place on themselves to be great, since she was also a former golfer. She focuses on simple standards such as having a teachable spirit, confidence, discipline, accountability, mental toughness, and being a great teammate.
“With golf, we don’t have officials, umpires or referees out on the course with us when our athletes compete and practice,” said Courter. “It’s up to the players to score correctly, know and understand the rules, and help others do the same. That’s why I really stress integrity in golf, as they are representing their name/family, their team, and their school.”
Throughout her coaching career, there have been numerous accomplishments, championships, and memorable moments to reflect upon. The Blue Springs varsity girls’ golf team ran the table and capped off an undefeated season with a state championship in 2014. They’ve also had five all-state players over the past decade, as well as numerous athletes who have earned college scholarships for golf. Under her leadership, Courter has also had one individual win a state championship.
“The accolades are rewarding as a coach; however, all the credit goes to the girls for their hard work outside the season,” said Courter. “What I’m most proud of is knowing the relationship I have with most of my players will last a lifetime. I still get together with many former players for lunch, or quick texts just to check in. I hope they know I would give them the shirt off my back and be there for them if they ever needed anything.”
“Jill’s tireless efforts to create a place where female athletes are respected and loved is her priority,” said one of Courter’s former student-athletes, and nominator, Alli Bowers. “I still remember the love, care and concern she gave me as a young athlete. Constantly encouraging, teaching, and pushing me to be my best self. She continues to grow amazing female golfers by offering impeccable coaching skills and expertise. It’s not the experience that makes her stand out, it’s the heart she gives to each of her golfers.”
“It’s always special when a former player nominates their coach for this award,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “It speaks volumes on the coach’s ability to leave a lasting impression on those she mentors. Coach Courter is no exception with her passion for growing girl’s golf, and doing it the right way. Her core standards have helped create a successful, accomplished, and enjoyable program at Blue Springs High School that shows no signs of slowing down. Congratulations from all of us at Blue KC!”
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
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Blue KC Coaches With Character Program
