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.
Core Values
Family
We believe in creating a supportive community that encourages connection, mentorship, and lifelong relationships. Every student-athlete is supported as a whole person, on and off the track.
Faith
We are guided by integrity, purpose, and service, encouraging students to build strong character and lead with values that inspire trust, perseverance, and gratitude.
Finances
We empower student-athletes with financial literacy and resources that promote responsible decision-making, independence, and long-term stability.
Fitness
We value physical, mental, and emotional well-being, supporting athletic excellence, discipline, and healthy habits that extend beyond competition.
Fun
We celebrate joy, passion, and balance—believing that growth and success are best achieved when learning, competition, and community are engaging and rewarding.
About the KBS Foundation
Established in 2022, the KBS Foundation is dedicated to empowering students through financial wellness education and athletic support. We provide scholarships, mentorship, and resources for student-athletes, with a primary focus on track and field, helping them succeed both on and off the track.
In partnership with Heights Church, the Foundation also offers financial wellness courses that address financial literacy, budgeting, and debt management. These programs equip students with the tools and confidence needed to navigate their academic years and future careers responsibly.
The KBS Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Kathy Sheils, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1987. Kathy exemplified the balance of academic excellence, athletic dedication, and strong character. Through our work, we strive to foster a new generation of student-athletes who embody those same qualities and pursue their full potential.
Our mission is guided by five core values: Family, Faith, Finances, Fitness, and Fun—principles that shape our programs and the lives we aim to impact.
Founder's Bio
In honor of his sister, Kathy Sheils, Duncan Sheils founded the KBS Foundation with a deep commitment to supporting student-athletes. Duncan is a seasoned sales leader with over 25 years of experience building and leading high-performing teams, guided by values of integrity, mentorship, and long-term growth.
In 2002, Duncan co-founded the KBS Foundation to honor the life and legacy of his late sister, Kathy Sheils—an exceptional student-athlete who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1987. Kathy embodied the balance of academic excellence, athletic dedication, and strong character, and her spirit continues to inspire the Foundation’s mission.
Through scholarships, mentorship, and financial wellness programs, the KBS Foundation empowers student-athletes to pursue their academic and athletic goals with confidence, responsibility, and purpose. Duncan remains deeply involved in advancing the Foundation’s mission to develop well-rounded young leaders both on and off the track.
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.
