Coach Koester Shares Journey at Vision 2020 Celebration of Excellence Breakfast

Coach Mitch Koester, head baseball coach at Kaskaskia Community College, shared his journey at the Effingham County Vision 2020 Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast held at the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Hall. Koester was a two sport star at Teutopolis High School in baseball and basketball, achieving many individual awards and records while playing on some highly successful teams.

He detailed his life journey to this point, and how sports played such a key role in his development. From his childhood in Green Creek playing pick-up baseball with his friends, through the youth baseball programs in Effingham, Teutopolis High School and playing in the Big Ten at Purdue University to his current position at Kaskaskia College. He stated that through hard work, sacrifice and quality relationships he has been able to chase his dreams. Sports, especially baseball, gave Koester an opportunity to get an education, to travel, and build friendships that will last a life time. Koester now resides in Avistion with his wife Megan, daughter Grace (2), and five-month-old son Charlie.

Coach Koester has been able to take the lessons he learned along the way and is now guiding the young men on his baseball team. Since taking over in 2009 he has helped 10 former players sign professional contracts and close to 60 have signed with a four year school.