Travis Foster enters his third season as an assistant coach with the McKendree University softball program in 2027 after joining the Bearcats in September 2024.
Foster helped McKendree reach new heights during a historic 2026 season, as the Bearcats finished as the NCAA Division II National Runners-Up. McKendree captured regional and super regional championships while setting a program record with 51 victories. The Bearcats also finished among the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s top two teams in both offense and defense.
Foster’s coaching background spans the collegiate, high school and camp levels. He spent two years at Clarion University, where outfielder Rachel Helsley and shortstop Emily Buchleitner earned second-team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors during his tenure. His experience also includes five years with National Softball Academy Camps.
At the high school level, Foster spent 12 years at Cobden High School, helping the program capture three consecutive Illinois state championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He also coached for seven years at Bellefonte High School in Pennsylvania, winning district championships in each season, and spent two years at Century High School.
A native of Goreville, Illinois, Foster earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He competed in baseball and basketball at Goreville High School.
