The Pembroke Hill athletic department has announced that eighth grade boys basketball coach Jeff Hawkins has been elevated to varsity boys basketball head coach. He has an extensive basketball background. Jeff is a former University of Kansas point guard, having played under former KU coach Roy Williams and current coach Bill Self from 2001-2006. Jeff served as the head varsity basketball coach at Perry-Lecompton for four years and has been involved with helping develop basketball players in Lawrence, Kan. and around the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Additionally, Jeff will also serve as the full-time substitute teacher on the Ward Parkway Campus. Currently, Jeff works for Morgan-Hunter Education, serving as a substitute for local elementary and secondary schools. Jeff holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from KU. 

"I'm really excited about the opportunity," Jeff said. "Academics are very important to me, which is why the position drew me in. I had the chance to be a substitute for the lower school last year and I was very impressed with the student/teacher interactions."

Intensity and high energy will be a focus for Jeff with the basketball team. "We're going to play solid defense and up tempo, and create an electric atmosphere that our community and visitors are going to want to come see us play," he shared.

Athletic director Sharon Cole is excited to have Jeff join the coaching staff. "We believe his personality, his experience and his ability to connect with students will help grow our boys basketball program."