Northwest Missouri State Athletics is proud to team up with Athletic Trainer and Mosaic Medical Center of Maryville Women's Health Ambassador, Christy Tapps, to advocate and educate our communities about the importance of quality women's health care to our region. In conjunction with the 2024 St. Francis Foundation Gala, we're partnering to "Aim Higher", as we work to make significant investments in our women's health clinic, and the comprehensive care we can provide.

Christy Tapps, employed through Mosaic Life Care, is in her eighth year as an Athletic Trainer at Northwest Missouri State University, caring for our Bearcat student-athletes. Christy is very passionate about women's health. She has had her own story of an unexpected journey to motherhood and the physical and mental struggles that one carries. Before her first son was born, unfortunately, Christy experienced two miscarriages. Christy and her husband Tyler Tapps are now the proud parents of Landon (11) and Carter (8). Shortly after moving to Maryville, she found out that she was pregnant with Carter. Christy feels that the care she received at Mosaic Medical Center and Dr. Jane Dawson in Maryville was personalized and specifically addressed her fears of having a high-risk pregnancy. Looking back, throughout her unexpected journey, she felt like pregnancy loss was not commonly talked about and resources on how to properly deal with loss were not readily available. Her unexpected journey to becoming a mother allows her a greater understanding of how important it is for women to prioritize their health.

In her work with Bearcat student-athletes, Christy focuses on treating the athlete as a whole: physically, mentally, and emotionally. This project will benefit our female student-athletes tremendously. Being able to provide them with another resource that focuses on their overall well-being. It raises awareness of the importance of putting their health and well-being first and being able to have peak consistent performance in their sport.

Women's healthcare is in dire need in the state of Missouri. Specifically in rural areas such as Maryville. The Saint Francis Foundation is directing funds raised through this year's "Aim Higher" Gala toward improving women's healthcare and new facilities such as a new women's health clinic and enhancing other services. This project has personal significance for Christy because of her journey. She hopes that women in our community and the student-athletes she provides care for do not feel alone in their health struggles.

Northwest Missouri State University will be holding a "White Out" game against Central Oklahoma on January 18th to support Christy Tapps as a Women's Health Ambassador for the St. Francis Foundation in the efforts to improve women's healthcare services. Bearcat T-shirts will be available for purchase ($10) at the women's and men's games, and some raffle items will be available. All proceeds will go directly to the St. Francis Foundation to support this women's health initiative and Christy Tapps as a representative in support of our female student-athletes.