Dear Hill Country Families,

In recent weeks, you’ve heard more than usual from us about Athletics—not because our priorities have shifted, but because protecting and strengthening this part of our school matters deeply to our mission. Today, I’m grateful to share an update that brings clarity, stability, and strong leadership to Hill Country Athletics for this important season.

First, it is critical for everyone to know that the recent rise in communication about Athletics is not to turn Hill Country into a hyper-focused athletic powerhouse. This has never been our focus as a school. We want our athletics department to serve our mission and, more importantly, to disciple our young men and women.

Second, classical education is not complete without an emphasis on whole-person formation. As Jesus commands in Mark 12:30, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. To do this well, classical schools like ours require all three legs of the educational stool: Academics, Arts, and Athletics.

In fact, this is not new to the classical tradition. In ancient models, gymnasia was a core subject even before pupils learned to read, and music was one of the seven Liberal Arts necessary to educate good humans.

With that foundation in mind, I have one additional athletics update:

We’ve decided to hire an Interim Director of Athletics (AD). Justin Rasberry, our inaugural 11-man football coach and long-time HillCo community member, has agreed to step in and lead during this important season. I couldn’t be more excited. Justin brings wisdom, excellence, stability, and a deep love for our school, giving us the time we need to continue our search for a permanent AD. We’ve also hired Katy Madeja, parent and former PTF Executive Team member, as an Interim Athletics Administrative Assistant to support Justin and Craig Bland at this critical time.

While I know the word “interim” at Hill Country may feel like it has overstayed its welcome, I’m confident this is the right step for the near term. Join me in praying for Justin and the Athletics Department as he begins this work.

Two important announcements for Middle and High School families:

1. Varsity Football Interest Meeting: We will host a meeting for anyone interested in playing varsity football next year on Thursday, March 5, at 6:00 p.m., in the 3rd floor auditorium.
   
2. All Middle and High School Athletics Meeting will be held the week after Spring Break; details to come in next week’s Knightly News. Additional sport-specific meetings will follow.

I look forward to continuing to press into our classical roots with all of you by becoming excellent at all three levels of the three-legged educational stool (Academics, Arts, and Athletics).

In Christ,

Eric DeVries, Head of School