About Kathy B. Sheils
Kathy Sheils was an exceptional student-athlete and a cherished member of her community whose life was tragically cut short, yet her legacy of dedication and passion continues to inspire. Her story is a testament to the power of a single individual's character to create a lasting, positive impact.
Born with a competitive spirit and a kind heart, Kathy was an outstanding track and field athlete at Woodbury High School in New Jersey. Her coaches and peers regarded her as a "special person" and an "inspiration" who strived for greatness in all aspects of her life. She was a dedicated teammate and a fierce competitor, earning the respect and admiration of those around her.
After graduating in 1985, Kathy pursued her academic and athletic dreams at Columbia University, where she became a valuable member of the women's track and cross-country teams. Her coaches praised her for the positive impression she made on the team, highlighting her enthusiasm and commitment.
Tragically, Kathy's life ended in a car accident in 1987, at the age of 19, just before the start of her sophomore year. Her untimely death left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the athletic community. In the wake of this loss, her legacy has been honored through a number of tributes and initiatives.
Kathy's influence lives on through the KBS Foundation, a non-profit organization co-founded by her brother, Duncan Sheils, in 2002. The foundation was created to honor Kathy's life by empowering a new generation of student-athletes to balance their academic and athletic pursuits. The foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and financial wellness education to high school track and field athletes in Virginia and West Virginia. The foundation’s mission is guided by Kathy's values of "Family, Faith, Finances, Fitness, and Fun," with the long-term goal of creating a camp to promote fellowship and fitness.
In a further testament to her impact, Columbia University established the Kathy Sheils Memorial Award. For over 30 years, this award has been presented annually to the top female cross-country athlete at the university, ensuring that Kathy's spirit and dedication to both academics and athletics are celebrated and remembered by future generations of student-athletes.
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In Honor of Kath Sheils
In honor of Kathy Sheils, I'm Duncan Sheils. As a sales leader with over 25 years of experience, I've had the privilege of building and leading successful teams.
In 2002, I co-founded the KBS Foundation in honor of my late sister, Kathy Sheils. She was an exceptional student-athlete who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1987. The foundation is dedicated to continuing her legacy by supporting a new generation of student-athletes, helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals. We offer scholarships, mentorship, and financial wellness programs.
Join Us
Participate in our workshops and seminars to enhance your financial knowledge and athletic skills.
Mission
The KBS Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to empowering students through financial wellness education and athletic support. We provide scholarships, mentorship, and resources for student-athletes, with a focus on track and field. Partnering with Heights Church, we also offer financial wellness courses addressing financial literacy and debt management, helping students navigate their future confidently.
The mission of the KBS Foundation is to empower students by providing support in financial wellness education and athletic endeavors. The foundation aims to honor the life and legacy of Kathy Sheils, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1987, by fostering a new generation of student-athletes who can balance academic and athletic pursuits, just as Kathy did. Our mission is driven by the values of Family, Faith, Finances, Fitness, and Fun.
Our Key Programs
Scholarships
We offer scholarships aimed at supporting talented student-athletes in their educational pursuits. These scholarships help alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies and sports.
Mentorship
Our mentorship program connects student-athletes with experienced coaches and professionals who guide and support them in their academic and athletic journeys, fostering personal and professional growth.
Courses
We conduct financial wellness courses that cover essential topics such as budgeting, savings, and debt management. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.
