Park Hill posted a winning record in its new conference last year, and now looks to build on the successes under a new coach.
Tim Kalis takes over a program that posted a 10-8 dual record and a 4-2 mark in the Suburban Conference Gold Division. However, the Trojans didn’t have an individual advance out of a tough Class 2 16 field, and the team ended its season with a loss to rival Park Hill South in the district semifinals.
“Our team goals are to be as competitive as possible within our conference and district, and we participate in a very tough conference and district,” Kalis said. “I am very optimistic.”
Park Hill returns half of its top six from a year ago, including junior No. 1 Kansas Dreps. The other two back from last season will be junior No. 5 Lauren Steckelberg and senior No. 6 Lily Cota. Maisie Markowitz, Elise McFee, Lauren Miller and Elizabeth Appel will try and help fill in the voids left.
Ruth Francis, Camille Laude and Sushma Gandham were all mutli-year contributors under former coach Rustin Reys, who stepped away in the offseason. Park Hill has proven to be competitive, and the returns want to improve on last year’s solid season.
“I think we’re going to have a good chance, maybe be our best chance yet,” Cota said. “Hopefully, we’re going to crush it.”