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.
