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April 22, 2024

The D158 BOE approved the hiring of Rita Castans as the new HHS athletic director
Photo provided.
The D158 BOE approved the hiring of Rita Castans as the new HHS athletic director

Features, News, Sports • April 22, 2024

D158 welcomes new Huntley High School athletic director

By

HUNTLEY — At the April 18 Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE) meeting, BOE members unanimously approved the hiring of Rita Castans as Huntley High School’s next athletic director.

According to the district’s Director of Communications and Public Engagement Denise Barr, Castans has an extensive background in athletics, coaching, and educational leadership. Additionally, she brings along a wealth of experience and a passion for students that will help her succeed in her new position.

Castans has spent her entire career at D158, starting as a physical education teacher at Marlowe Middle School in 2009 until 2017. Following that role, Castans spent five years as an assistant principal and athletic director at Marlowe.

Since 2022, Castans has been the Wellness Department Chair of Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education for grades six through 12 at Huntley High School, stated Barr.

“I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to lead Huntley High School athletics,” said Castans in a press release statement. “It is so special that I get to pursue my dreams in the same district I started my educational career in 15 years ago. It is with great privilege that I have the opportunity to continue to honor and build upon our very successful athletics program.”

Throughout her tenure at D158, Castans has been involved at the district level on various committees and has helped facilitate numerous trainings for staff districtwide.

During the time in which she served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Marlowe, Castans also took on the role of head coach for the seventh-grade boys and girls basketball teams. She additionally acted as the president, secretary, and treasurer of the Fox Valley Conference.

In 2013, Castans completed the district’s leadership academy.

“Rita’s longevity in the district combined with her background, connections, and leadership skills will bring a fresh, holistic approach to our high school athletics program,” said Superintendent Jessica Lombard. “We are excited to welcome her to this position.”

In addition to her experience, Castans holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education and earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in sports management from Western Illinois University.

While at Western Illinois University for her undergraduate program, Castans received a full athletic scholarship to participate on the women’s Division I basketball team, where she served as team captain. Castans was also an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Western in 2008.

“We are excited for the next chapter of Huntley sports under Rita’s leadership,” stated Huntley High School Principal Marcus Belin. “Her exceptional qualifications, commitment to excellence, and passion for sports will benefit our student athletes and the Huntley community.”