Jack Foster, a former longtime head coach in Post Falls, Idaho, was named head coach of the Flathead High School softball program.
Foster is replacing Tasia Gates, who stepped down after two seasons at the helm of the Bravettes. Last season Flathead was 6-16 overall and 2-10 in Western AA and 2-19 overall in 2015.
Foster emerged as the top choice among three candidates, according to Flathead High School Activities Director Bryce Wilson.
“Jack is an extremely experienced softball coach who has led a varsity program for 17 years in Idaho and will bring his experience and passion to the Flathead Bravettes program,” Wilson stated. “He has a strong desire to lead the Flathead Softball Program forward. He outlined his vision during the interview and would like to build upon the solid foundation of the current program. He has seen the effects of positive culture and climate in a sports program and is excited to work with our student athletes.”
A native of Coeur d’Alene, Foster coached softball at Post Falls High School from 1997-2005 and 2007-2014. He guided the 2010 Trojans to the softball championship in 5A, the largest classification in Idaho.
“He’s been a rock for that program,” Post Falls athletic director Craig Christensen told the Coeur d’Alene Press after Foster stepped down in 2014 to move to Kalispell with his wife to be closer to their daughter and her family. “He got us a state championship, which is tough to do, and he got us a state championship with six freshman starters. He’s had some tough times in recent years, but he’s always been positive, dedicated to the program. He’s definitely a nice guy, and we’re definitely going to miss him.”
Foster played baseball at North Idaho College for one season before transferring to Walla Walla Community College to play football for two seasons. He transferred again to the University of Idaho, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He taught for 28 years in Post Falls before he and his wife moved to Kalispell in August 2015. He now is a substitute teacher.
“This is a whole new adventure,” he said.
“Since I came here, the more I thought about it, I’m a coach. I like coaching.”
Foster, 59, said he looks forward to working with the Flathead girls to establish a work ethic and enjoyment for the sport that inevitably would lead to success.
“Hopefully we can build it up to be playing in the state tournaments every year,” he said. “We will play the game the right way. We will play hard and we will play with class and have fun doing it.”