While serving as a Marketing and Football Development Seasonal Assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Keiser University Flagship Campus 2025 alumna Kennedy Foster shared that she is thankful to ‘help spread the love of football,’ a game she first fell in love with back in 2015.

“I got involved with football at a young age. My dad was always a huge New York Giants fan, so that ended up being my team too,” recalled Foster, of the fondness she developed for the game while throwing the ball with her dad.

Grateful for the support of her parents as she played competitively on her Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Dwyer High School Flag Football Team, Foster said that, in addition to her academic studies, the game played a huge role in the development of her overall growth. “Flag football has shaped my life and who I am in so many ways. It teaches you how to handle adversity, leadership, and confidence,” said Foster, who went on to compete at the University of South Florida before returning to Palm Beach County to join Keiser University’s team and earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management in 2023 and her Master of Science degree in Sport Management and Operations in 2025.

“Keiser University has always supported me in every aspect of my life. Athletically, they have provided top-notch coaches, athletic trainers, and strength coaches who truly helped mold and build me into the player that I am today. Academically, my professors brought out the best in me and constantly made me think critically in real-world situations, and professionally, my professors truly prepared me for my current job. Every task I am given, I can think back to my time at KU and think of an assignment or discussion that I had,” said Foster of the lessons that are helping her excel as a young professional.

While sharing that her experience as an athlete continues to help her mature, Foster expressed appreciation for the many teammates, faculty, and staff members who supported her.

“Dr. Lorenda Beuker helped me with the mental aspect of my athletic journey and academically by always being open and honest with me,” said Foster of Keiser’s Master of Science in Sports Management Program Director. She also credited Sports Management professors Justin Harmon and Dr. Anthony Hilliard, who consistently engaged her in class conversations; Head Coach Sam Harris and Assistant Coach Chris Truszkowski, who believed in her athletic abilities and supported her growth and maturity; and Assistant Athletic Director Tati Warman and Head Athletic Trainer Miranda Cervantes, who always lent an ear to chat. In addition, she shared that it was Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Sarah Turner who helped her build physical strength and limit physical injuries.

“I was able to grow and be the best version of myself so I could make the US Women’s Flag Football National Team for two years while a student at KU. Being a key player on the field also helped me off the field as it helped me grow connections with people from all over the country. Those connections eventually helped me in my professional life,” said Foster, who looks forward to further promoting youth football in a variety of ways, including sanctioning of girls’ high school flag football in the Missouri and Kansas areas.

“Professionally, I want to grow with an organization and help spread the love of football, as it has shaped and impacted my life so much. In the athletic sense, my goal is to continue my training and growth in flag football,” reflected Foster while encouraging others to embrace resilience as they ‘ride the wave’ of life’s experiences.  “There are going to be a bunch of high and low moments; the most important thing is your response. It is often easier to stop what you’re doing, be angry, and give up on your dream because you hit a low or a bump in the road. Being able to overcome that low or bump will make that success and dream so much better in the end,” she smiled.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the sports industry. The sports industry is one of the largest segments of the economy, and opportunities for careers exist in international, professional, amateur, and collegiate sports, as well as in tourism, recreation, and private sports enterprises. The Keiser curriculum focuses on the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, management, law, sales, economics, and finance. The program is offered as a 120-credit program and a 60-credit degree completion program. Students enrolling in the degree completion program must have an approved Associate’s degree.

Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sport Management and Operations (MSSMO) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a professional career in the sport industry. This master’s degree in sports management program prepares students for a variety of positions in the business of sports. The program imbues students with critical thinking skills, business acumen, and communication abilities to lead a multitude of sports endeavors – from little league to scholastic sports to higher education sports to professional sports. Ethical foundations and professional standards are established and reinforced. The MSSMO program encourages creativity and independent learning, while fostering a climate of classroom collaboration.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years.

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.