Huntley, IL – At the board meeting on April 18, 2024, the board of education approved the hiring of Rita Castans as Huntley High School’s next athletic director. With an extensive background in athletics, coaching and educational leadership, Castans brings a wealth of experience and a passion for students to the position.
Castans has spent her entire career in Huntley 158, starting out as a physical education teacher at Marlowe Middle School in 2009 and serving in this role until 2017. She then spent five years as an assistant principal and athletic director at Marlowe. Since 2022, she has been the Wellness Department Chair of Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education for grades 6-12 at Huntley High School.
“I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to lead Huntley High School athletics,” said Castans. “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 in Huntley 158, Castans has been involved at the district level on various committees and has helped facilitate numerous trainings for staff districtwide. While she was an assistant principal and athletic director at Marlowe, Castans served as head coach for 7th grade boys and girls basketball and as president, secretary and treasurer of the Fox Valley Conference. She also completed Huntley 158’s leadership academy in 2013.
“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.”
Castans holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education and earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and master’s degree in sports management from Western Illinois University. While at Western for her undergraduate program, she received a full athletic scholarship to participate on the women’s Division I basketball team and served as team captain. She also served as 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,” said principal Marcus Belin. “Her exceptional qualifications, commitment to excellence and passion for sports will benefit our student athletes and the Huntley community.”
