[Norfolk, Va., March 11, 2020] America’s beloved team The USA Patriots an all amputee team of Veterans that competes nationally brought on Marieo Foster for their coach this year—playing well over a dozen games annually to include competing in and winning against standard able-bodied teams within USSSA and ASA.  Their tenacity will only be amplified through the leadership and direction that Coach Marieo Foster brings to the game. 

Coach Marieo Foster is the current Chief of Police & Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at the University of the District of Columbia as well as Professional Softball Player and Brand Ambassador for Easton Sport’s & Smash it Sports Military and First Responder Program & Charitable Efforts and has previously served in the U.S. Army. He’s also on his 2nd year as part of the coaching staff for the 2020 USA Women’s Slow Pitch Futures Team.

Coach Marieo performed duty at “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” as well as service with the US Army’s Drill Team.  In 2016 he was inducted in the US Army ROTC National Hall of Fame.  

Coach Marieo has 30+ years of experience in competitive softball with championships at all levels for Military, Police, or USSSA conferences.  Being a leader that serves others, his love for the USA Patriots did not begin with his coaching position; in fact, he has been a supporter of the team from afar for years.  He has not only worked with us a few times during our early years on the field, Coach Marieo went above and beyond when he worked with Easton and Smash it Sports to donate the proceeds of his 2019 Signature Bat (the VET) to the USA Patriots. 

Our Executive Director, Desiree Ellison, highlights how “Marieo will be a strong asset to our coaching staff, both in an instructional capacity and as someone who can genuinely advance our mission of utilizing softball as a form of recreational therapy for our amputee veterans. He brings forth a great deal of knowledge and passion, which is exactly what this organization thrives on. We look forward to bringing Marieo Foster on board as I know it will assist us in growing closer to our organizational goals and objectives.