Coaching Legends Eric Foster
My participation in organized baseball and basketball leagues began in the 1st grade, continuing both sports through high school and then four more years with college basketball. Throughout my playing years, I began to see how much athletic competition helped build character. With the assistance of several Christian coaches, my faith grew as a player. After college, I contemplated a coaching career as I loved sports, also knowing the value in leading others as a coach. For me, the choice was to go into counseling instead and away from organized sports for many years. Then came my daughters, my interest was energized again. It was a great joy to coach both girls’ basketballs teams for 10 years. I always saw sports as a microcosm of the real world, so for those 10 years of teams, we considered how God wanted us to handle ourselves on and off the court. How He wanted us to act toward our peers as well as adversaries, win or lose. My daughters, Kila and Ellia are both great examples of positive Christian women and I hope someday they reflect to see that part of their character has been built through their athletic competition. I have been a therapist for the past thirty years with three degrees over the course of seven years, completed two practicums, an internship, accumulated hundreds of continuing education course hours and have worked with thousands of individuals, couples, and families. Most people would believe that all of this experience has enabled the success of our outpatient mental health center. Similarly, some have suggested that my experience in my field has aided me in guiding my daughters Ellia and Kila through their childhood. I’m sure there is some truth in this, but none of the listed experience has been the primary source of my knowledge in business or as a father. There is no doubt, my ability to lead others within my family and outside of my family, came from my family. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home by parents who lived by the example of Christ. My mother was more vocal in her teaching while my father spoke by his actions. Both modeled an example that has guided everything I do. I have always hoped I could get close to giving my daughters what my parents gave me. I have made at least two good decisions that have helped me get close to this goal: accepting Christ into my life and marrying a strong Christian woman, Kali. As my girls have become their own persons, Ellia and Kila have already demonstrated strong Christian principles which make me very proud. They have been very successful in multiple endeavors, but more importantly they are both Christian women who are very good people. I’m sure most of this comes from their Mom, but at least I can say I chose their Mom; remember it was one of my two most important life decisions.
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