Pictured in front, from left to right, Adam Foster, Emily Foster, Roberta Foster. In the back, left to right, Assistant Coach/Jumping Coach Amy O’Donnell, Head Coach Jason Snell.

Sheffield senior Emily Foster will be continuing her athletic career at Clarion University under head track and field coach Ben Bevevino.

Bevevino is entering the fifth season of his second stint as the Eagles’ head coach. The first as an interim head coach from 2016-2018.

Foster, who developed strong relationships with both Sheffield head coach Jason Snell and assistant coach Amy O’Donnell is confident that under Bevevino she will continue to grow as an athlete.

“I didn’t get to go to Shippensburg this week,” Foster said of missing the PIAA State Championships, “However, I’m hoping to return for the PSAC Championships. I’ll be in good hands with coach Bevevino, though it is bittersweet leaving.”

Foster was joined by her grandmother, Roberta Foster and father, Adam Foster, alongside Snell and O’Donnell on her signing day. Foster acknowledged that both coaches had an incredible impact on her life, but credited O’Donnell with filling a particular void that goes beyond coaching.

“Everyone knows Amy and I have a different kind of relationship,” Foster said. “Growing up without a mother figure, she’s someone I look up to. She’s been my high jump coach since my freshman year, but she’s also coached me through life.”

O’Donnell made clear the bond was mutual, as she was a witness to Emily’s ups and downs throughout her high school career.

“Emily is a very strong individual who has overcome adversity in life as well as with what could have been a career ending injury last year,” O’Donnell said. “She chose not to give up. These qualities, and her will to compete, will take her far in her college career. She’s been excellent to work with. I can’t wait to watch her at Clarion.”

The four-year letter winner, and three-year captain first made her name known in 2021 winning the District 9 Championships in high jump. The following year she came up just shy of repeating, but still was able to qualify for PIAA State Championships. After an injury sidelined her junior season, Foster placed third at districts for her final season. Foster is a two-time Northern Tier League high jump champion.

Foster rightfully attributes a portion of her success to Snell, whom she has been an athlete under for much of her life.

“Having Jason as my t-ball, track camp, and high school coach, you grow a relationship,” Foster said. “We usually know when the other is having an off day and check in. I know he’s proud to see how far I’ve came, but he doesn’t give himself enough credit for helping me get here.”

Snell has seen Foster as a core member of the team for his entire head coaching tenure thus far and is confident that her commitment and work ethic will transition well into the collegiate level.

“Emily will adjust well at the next level,” said Snell. “Amy and us other coaches gave her all we had and then some. The folks that teach this stuff as a full-time job will love her commitment to get better and her great attitude towards change and trying other ways.”