NEVADA, Mo. — Cottey College announced that Coach Marla Kannady Foreman will retire at the end of the academic year, concluding a distinguished 26-year career defined by leadership, competitive success and a lasting impact on the campus community.
Kannady Foreman retires as Cottey's first and only head volleyball coach. She joined the College in 2000 and was charged with launching the volleyball program, laying the foundation for decades of success. In addition to leading volleyball, she served as assistant basketball coach for 12 years and assisted with the softball program from 2006 to 2012.
Throughout her tenure, Kannady Foreman contributed extensively beyond coaching. She served on numerous fundraising and hiring committees and played a key role in overseeing internal operations for game-day concessions and gate management, supporting the overall success of Cottey athletics.
On the court, Kannady Foreman achieved significant milestones. In 2019, she earned her 200th career win and finished her career with more than 280 wins as head coach. One of her most successful seasons came during the 2020–21 academic year, when the Comets captured the Association of Independent Institutions Conference postseason championship during an adjusted schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During Cottey's NJCAA years, her teams also recorded runner-up finishes in the Region tournament in 2003 and 2005.
Kannady Foreman's teams were equally recognized for academic excellence. While competing in the NJCAA, Cottey volleyball earned national recognition for team grade-point average, including 12 NJCAA All-Academic selections during her tenure.
Coach Kannady Foreman has been an incredible ambassador for Cottey College and its athletics programs," said Dr. Maryann Mitts, Cottey College athletic director. "Her dedication, leadership and commitment to student-athletes have left a lasting legacy. I personally want to thank her for the enormous amount of time and effort she has dedicated to Cottey, our volleyball program, and that athletic department. She will be missed."
Reflecting on her career, Kannady Foreman said, "It has been an honor to have had my coaching job in one place for so long and to see the success throughout all of it both on and off the court. Many treasured memories I take with me, regardless of whether they were winning seasons or not, because it was so much more than wins and losses. I have so many former student-athletes and colleagues I am still in constant contact with, and I am blessed to know that God gave me the privilege to help so many young women through their journey called life."
Coach Marla Kannady Foreman will be greatly missed by colleagues, students and alumnae. The Cottey College community extends its sincere gratitude for her decades of service and wishes her the very best in her well-earned retirement.
