May | Blue KC Coaches with Character
Amanda Clayton
The “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) have selected youth basketball coach Amanda Clayton as the May “Blue KC Coaches with Character” honoree.
“This is unbelievable. I’m a bit overwhelmed at how amazing it is to be nominated as a Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree,” said Clayton, who began coaching her sons through the Great American Basketball League four years ago. “I value hard work, great effort, teamwork and a love for the game, along with good sportsmanship and a good attitude. These values can transfer over into any area and be valuable throughout life, even if they aren’t playing a sport. I think these values not only translate into a good sport, but a good person as well, so I try to instill them in my players.”
Selected from nominations submitted by fans, with one honoree announced each month throughout the 2017 MLB season, the “Blue KC Coaches with Character” program spotlights amateur coaches who, through their leadership on and off the field, are helping to grow youth sports in the Kansas City area, and making the community a better place to live, work and play. Each honoree will be interviewed on 810 WHB, receive a VIP gift package from Blue KC and CYITML, and will be invited to meet Royals General Manager and CYITML Founder Dayton Moore at an event in September at Kauffman Stadium. Additionally, Blue KC will make a $2,000 donation to CYITML in honor of each selected coach.
“It’s a true privilege to recognize Amanda as a Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree,” Moore said. “Her efforts to instill positive character in her players is something that will leave a lasting impact on the Kansas City community, and we’re proud of her commitment and her heart for her athletes.”
Known for her ability to instill sportsmanship in her players, Clayton was nominated by fellow GABL coach John Moore. According to Moore, coaching against Clayton’s teams is a positive experience for all involved due to their ability to work hard and treat opposing teams with respect.
“Amanda does a tremendous job coaching both of her sons’ GABL basketball teams,” said John Moore. “Her teams always compete hard, and she maintains a great positive attitude toward all of her players as well as everyone else around her. I have coached many games against her over the past several years and have tremendous respect for her and her teams and their sportsmanship. I know that comes from her outstanding leadership.”
Throughout the season, Blue KC and CYITML will select four more area coaches to be recognized as Blue KC Coaches with Character. All honorees will be chosen based on nominations from the public, which will be accepted until early September.
“Through the Blue KC Coaches with Character program, we are able to recognize local coaches who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same,” said Christina Lively, Department Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Blue KC. “We’re thrilled to honor Amanda this month. As the local health insurer, we are passionate about our community and enjoy giving positive recognition to those who feel the same.”
Those who would like to nominate an amateur coach for the Blue KC Coaches with Character program are encouraged to visit CYouInTheMajorLeagues.org/bluekc.