For the past nine years, Dominic Jacobs has been an influential leader at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic School in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In an effort to assist in any capacity, Jacobs wears numerous hats around the school, but sees each opportunity as a stepping stone to continue helping to educate the next generation.
While currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director, Jacobs is also the head cross country and track coach. His involvement doesn’t stop there. He’s also coached basketball teams for the past five years, been on the athletic board for the past seven years, and is a volunteer morning crossing guard four days a week during the school year.
“Our family sacrifices a lot of time together so I can volunteer and coach at the school,” said Jacobs. “I’m gone most evenings throughout the school year and we really only have family dinner on Sunday nights.”
As a married man, and a father of three, this type of sacrifice and commitment exemplifies how much care and dedication he has toward his school and community. Over the years, Jacobs has had the opportunity to coach his own children and build lasting relationships with countless others who have passed through his programs.
“It is amazing to see so many of our athletes going on to high school and being successful,” said Jacobs. “But I think the thing I am most proud of is that we have created a program that is very inclusive to everyone. It doesn’t matter what skill set an athlete has, we want them to feel like they accomplished something at the end of the season. We want them to love running and to build a base for a healthier lifestyle moving forward.”
Part of the cross country and track teams at Our Lady of the Presentation is made up of kids with special needs. Jacobs understands the importance of making everyone feel like they belong and providing them the opportunity to be a part of a team. He says for those individuals to experience what team bonding feels like is a special aspect that can help put a smile on everyone’s face.
“We have tried very hard to make sports fun for everyone involved,” said Jacobs. “Youth sports have become extremely competitive and specialized over the years. We really want sports just to be fun! Winning is great, but getting to play with your classmates and feeling like you belong is equally important.”
Jacobs says the best advice he’s ever received was to always remember to be your authentic self. His unwavering commitment to his family and his school make Jacobs an instant winner and role model for the student-athletes that pass through his program. The way he emphasizes smiling, laughter, and fun make each season and school year an enjoyable time.
“I really try to instill to my student-athletes that hard work and having fun can really go hand-in-hand,” said Jacobs. “If you’re laughing and having fun, it just makes working hard and giving 100% a lot easier.”
“While serving in his many capacities at Our Lady of the Presentation, Dominic’s focus is solely on the kids and making sure they have a positive experience,” said Jacobs’ nominator, Paul Winkeler. “He is the biggest fan of every student, always encouraging them and being a positive adult figure in their life. The time he has given to hundreds of students during his tenure is staggering. Simply stated, without Dominic Jacobs there is no athletic program at Our Lady of the Presentation. Hundreds of children and families owe him a huge debt of gratitude for what he has given to us over the years.”
“For Dominic to serve in as many capacities as he does at Our Lady of the Presentation speaks volumes about his commitment to the school, his students, and his local community,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The amount of time, energy, and dedication he has invested, while continually smiling and enjoying the process, is the true definition of a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan. We’re honored to recognize Dominic and congratulate him on all of his success.”
Blue KC Sporting Samaritans will continue to be recognized monthly at Children’s Mercy Park during Sporting home games this season. Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.sportingkc.com/BlueKC.
