Sacramento Coach’s Journey: The Power of a CASA Mentor

Josh Ford, the dedicated head water polo coach at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, embodies a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship. His inspiring personal story sheds light on the challenges faced by California’s estimated 60,000 foster care children and the profound difference a single caring adult can make.

From Foster Care to Family: Josh Ford’s Resilient Path

Ford’s early life was marked by significant adversity, navigating twelve different foster homes from the age of 13 until he aged out at 18, while his mother struggled with substance abuse. This tumultuous period underscored the critical need for stability and consistent support for young people caught within the foster care system, often without a stable home or guidance.

A Pivotal Meeting: Major Rogers, His CASA Mentor

A turning point arrived on Ford’s 14th birthday when he met Major Rogers, his Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) mentor. Rogers’ advice was simple yet transformative: “You can have anything you want in this world, but it’s going to start by getting good grades and playing a sport.” This clear encouragement was precisely what a young Ford, lacking consistent guidance, desperately needed. Rogers quickly became more than just an advocate; he grew into a cherished father figure and a steadfast friend, providing a foundation of stability Ford hadn’t known before.

The Transformative Role of Water Polo

Encouraged by Rogers, Ford tried water polo, despite initial struggles and attempting to quit multiple times during conditioning. However, he persevered, developing into a competitive athlete at Redwood High School in Visalia. Rogers remained a constant presence, coaching and supporting him through matches and tournaments, providing the unwavering belief and accountability Ford needed to succeed.

Ford continued his impressive water polo career at American River College, where his skills and dedication helped the team secure its first Big Eight championship in program history. Throughout this period, Major Rogers remained an unwavering supporter, consistently showing up for games and offering an ear to listen, guiding Ford to envision possibilities beyond his past. For Ford, water polo, under Rogers’ watchful eye and profound influence, blossomed into much more than just a competitive sport; it became a vital source of structure, a cohesive team, and a surrogate family that provided him with “something to work for, something to live for” — a purpose that had long been absent.

Inspiring the Next Generation at Jesuit High

Today, as the head water polo coach for the Jesuit Marauders in Carmichael, Ford brings his personal journey and deep understanding of the need for support to his coaching philosophy. His team captain, Declan Blewett, openly admires Ford’s leadership and the incredible perseverance evident in his life story. After earning an English degree from Sacramento State, Ford now channels his profound experiences into effectively mentoring his own athletes, creating a positive and nurturing environment.

Ford expresses profound gratitude for Major Rogers, the “stranger who saw him for who he was” and, through his consistent presence, taught him the true meaning of family. He frequently emphasizes that Rogers’ incredible foresight provided him with the essential structure and belonging found within a water polo team. Now, in a deeply meaningful full-circle moment, Ford proudly pays that forward, diligently working to create that same powerful sense of family and stability for his own athletes, year after year, within the Jesuit High School program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Ford’s Story

• Who is Josh Ford?
  Josh Ford is the inspiring head water polo coach at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, recognized for his resilient journey through the foster care system and the life-changing impact of mentorship.
• What is a CASA mentor?
  CASA stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA mentor is a trained volunteer who champions the best interests of children navigating the foster care system, offering crucial guidance, support, and a consistent presence.
• How did Major Rogers influence Josh Ford’s life?
  Major Rogers, Ford’s CASA mentor, provided pivotal guidance in academics and sports, serving as a father figure and friend. He introduced Ford to water polo, which subsequently provided Ford with much-needed structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
• Why is this story important for the Sacramento community?
  This story powerfully illustrates the transformative power of mentorship and robust community support for vulnerable youth, particularly the estimated 60,000 foster children in California, demonstrating how one compassionate person can significantly alter a life’s trajectory and foster local resilience.

Josh Ford’s story serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. By championing programs like CASA and fostering strong community connections, we can collectively help more young people build their own paths to success and a lasting sense of belonging, right here in Sacramento and beyond.

CASA Mentor Transforms Sacramento Coachs Foster Life