Cottey’s Rebekah Klinginsmith Named AMC Coach of Caracter Award Selection
Written by Bruna Niederkorn, AMC Assistant Commissioner
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Cottey College Head Softball Coach Rebekah Klinginsmith has been selected as the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Coach of Character nominee.
The Coach of Character Award recognizes a head coach who exemplifies the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program by intentionally teaching and modeling character to the student-athletes through sport.
Klinginsmith joined the Cottey softball program in 2023 and has quickly established a culture of excellence both on and off the field. Since her arrival, the Comets have compiled a 91-55 overall record while capturing an AMC Tournament championship, an AMC regular-season title, an AMC tournament runner-up finish, and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
During the 2026 season, Klinginsmith coached both the AMC Player of the Year and AMC Newcomer of the Year while guiding an NAIA All-American, three CSC Academic All-District selections, and three All-Region honorees. Under her leadership, the Comets also broke several program records and received votes in the NAIA Softball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
At the core of Klinginsmith's coaching philosophy is a commitment to servant leadership. She emphasizes to her student-athletes that their influence extends far from beyond the softball field and that meaningful service can impact both individuals and the broader community.
She intentionally creates opportunities for growth through challenging situations in practice, encouraging her athletes to persevere through adversity and learn how to perform under pressure. Beyond competition, Klinginsmith prioritizes open conversations about life, helping her student-athletes navigate personal challenges, insecurities, and obstacles while fostering a supportive team environment.
Klinginsmith also believes in creating opportunities for both success and failure as teaching moments. By setting goals, encouraging feedback, and discussing outcomes, she helps her student-athletes develop resilience, accountability, and confidence. Trough trust, mentorship, and intentional character development, she strives to prepare her athletes for success not only in sport but in life.
What They're Saying:
"Rebekah is a transformational coach who uses the softball field as a platform for instilling life skills. She has high expectations for herself, her student-athletes, and our softball program and it shows in their successes both on and off the diamond. Whether it's the outstanding servant leadership demonstrated by her program, the respect they give to others, or the responsibility and integrity they display on and off campus, Coach K's culture directly aligns with the values instilled in the NAIA's Champions of Character program. These values are not simply considerations; they are practiced and lived out daily under her leadership." – Dr. Maryann Mitts, Director of Athletics at Cottey
"Rebekah's passion for softball is evident in the way she leads and invests in her athletes each day. She is deeply committed to helping her players succeed not only on the field, but also as young women off the field. She approaches every challenge with purpose and uses mistakes as opportunities to teach accountability, confidence, and growth. Her ability to support and push her athletes at the same time creates an environment where players feel encouraged to improve and believe in themselves. What separates Rebekah as a coach is her determination to build something meaningful within the program. She constantly strives to raise the standard and motivate those around her to pursue goals beyond what has previously been accomplished. Her work ethic, vision, and competitive drive have helped establish a culture centered on discipline, growth, and commitment. She wants to leave a lasting impact on the program, and she does so through the example she sets every day." – Karina Ramirez, Assistant Softball Coach/Assistant Strength & Conditioning at Cottey
"Rebekah deserves this award for who she is not only as a coach, but who she is as a person. She instills greatness in her athletes through community service projects, required weekly study hall hours, and hard work every day on the diamond. She also is a leader on our campus and athletics staff maintaining a high level of expectations with her work ethic and values. Coach K works so hard every day to make the Comet athletes better not only as athletes, but as well-rounded women" - Gracie Travis, Head Athletic Trainer at Cottey
"Coach K exemplifies true character through her integrity, respect, and unwavering commitment to those she leads. Both on and off the field, she fosters a culture of accountability, resilience, and compassion while inspiring her athletes to grow not only as competitors, but as individuals. By consistently leading by example and investing in the success of others, Coach K has made a lasting impact on her team and community, making her truly deserving of this honor." - Ashleigh Miller, Assistant Volleyball Coach/Assistant to the Director of Athletics at Cottey
Up Next
Klinginsmith is now eligible for the NAIA Coach of Caracter; the winner will be announced during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15.