UHSAA announces Kim Monkres as new assistant director

The Utah High School Activities Association has a new face in its administration.

Kim Monkres was announced as a new UHSAA assistant director Tuesday morning in a release from the association.

An assistant principal and Athletic Director at Desert Hills High School in St. George since 2010, Monkres has served on the statewide Athletic Director's Executive Committee with duties while guiding the Thunder's athletic programs have included hiring and training of coaches, managing the athletic department budget and tracking student-athlete eligibility.

"I am excited to be working with the staff at the UHSAA," Monkres said in the release. "I look forward to learning so much from all of the directors and staff, and I also look forward to working with and supporting all of the high schools across the state."

Monkres will serve as the primary director of drill team, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, and music with the UHSAA. She will oversee the UHSAA sportsmanship, citizenship and student leadership programs for the association's 88,000 high school participants.

Monkres will begin her role with the UHSAA prior to July 1.

An English teacher and Drill Team coach in the Weber School District at Bonneville High School from 2000 to 2008, Monkres has served on the UHSAA Drill Team Committee since 2011. During her coaching days, her teams were crowned 4A state champions in 2006 and 2008. She was also the Utah Dance and Drill Association President from 2007 to 2008.

"Kim brings to the association experience as a coach, official, athletic administrator and assistant principal," said UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cuff in the release. "The knowledge and background in high school activities and event management have prepared her and provided the opportunity for this position. Her sound educational philosophy of education-based activities will be a tremendous asset to our 142 UHSAA member schools."

The hiring of Monkres comes on the heels of director Becky Anderson stepping down at the end of June after six years with the UHSAA. Anderson was the first female assistant director in UHSAA's history in 2008 and oversaw the sports and programs Monkres is expected to upon her official start with the association. Monkres will join Cuff, Bart Thompson and Kevin Dustin as part of the UHSAA executive staff.

-Chris Kamrani

Twitter: @CKTribune