Middle school social worker and coach focuses on building relationships
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Our November honoree opens her office door to middle schoolers dealing with anxiety, depression or a disability and she helps students gain confidence, acceptance or some form of escape by coaching a variety of sports. Here's November's Everything Woman.
Allie Foley was born in Sacramento, California, and her passion for sports was fostered early in life.
"I remember my fifth birthday and getting a basketball for my birthday," she said. "It was the best thing."
She relocated with family to the tiny northwest Kansas town of Norton by second or third grade. She started playing competitive sports at 9-years old, and later discovered being on the court, diamond or track was a good coping strategy during some tough middle school years.
"Sports was just where I could be myself,"Foley said. "I didn't worry about anything else or those struggles. I just went and played sports and that's kind of where I was myself."
The struggles continued through high school with more pain and loss.
"I lost three important people to me between the ages 11 and 17, so just grieving and not really knowing how to deal with those emotions when you're that age, grief is difficult for anyone," she said.
After graduation, Foley attended Kansas State University before transferring to Washburn University for an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She got her Master's degree from Washburn as well. After extensive training from experienced mentors, Allie now helps students with their own feelings and emotions.
"I just felt like I can make a bigger difference with kids. For me, I want to be that person that I needed when I was their age," she said.
She was a school counselor for younger kids at Meadows Elementary, and is now in her fourth year as a social worker and coach at Seaman Middle School.
She still sees kids struggling, but they express frustration differently.
"It's not throwing tantrums on the floor and stuff. It's you know dealing with peers, self-confidence, peer pressure just so many different things," Foley said. "The hormones are growing, and not always knowing who they are."
Allie said the daily mix social work and coaching are the perfect combination because her focus is on building relationships.
"I think social work and sports kind of go hand-in-hand. You're learning those social skills, and how to deal with your emotions, winning and losing, being respectful, being a good teammate, and being a good peer," she said.
Allie is truly happy to be at a place with a great team, and where she gets so much support to do what she loves. She also hopes to have more coaching opportunities this spring or in the near future.
If you know a woman we should highlight in this segment, please go to ksnt.com and nominate them there. We feature these honorees, during 27 News, on the last Tuesday of each month.