The Glenwood Springs High School Demons are set to usher in a new era for its athletic programs. The Demons have announced two dynamic additions to their coaching staff: Jordan DeCrow as the new head coach for the girls basketball team and Parker Kennedy as the new track and field coach. These fresh faces promise to bring their unique experiences and vibrant energy to the school’s rich athletic tradition.
DeCrow takes the reins from Rhonda Moser, who recently stepped down after nearly 10 years as head coach and a total of 12 years with the girls basketball program. Moser’s dedication and impactful leadership led to a 175-103 career record, five Western Slope League championships, and a memorable state final four appearance.
A Glenwood Springs alum, DeCrow’s journey is a homecoming. She played college basketball at Luther College in Iowa and has been a Demons fan since childhood, thanks to her mother, Sandy DeCrow, who coached volleyball. For the past five years, DeCrow has been an assistant coach under Moser and also serves as the assistant athletic director at GSHS.
“Being an assistant for Rhonda the past five years, I have been able to learn a ton from her,” DeCrow said. “I joined the staff right out of college, so I was there for a year before COVID hit and then stuck around ’til this year when Rhonda decided to retire. I’m fortunate enough to be able to step in and fill those shoes.”
Despite her playing career being cut short by an ACL injury, DeCrow found a new path in coaching.
“I played in college for two years before blowing up my ACL,” DeCrow said. “My coach asked if I wanted to step into a student coaching role. So I was fortunate for two years to be a student coach under college coaches.”
DeCrow is keen on maintaining the team’s strong bonds and continuity.
“I told the girls in our first team meeting that change is really hard,” DeCrow said. “There’s not going to be a ton of change with me having been here and already knowing these girls. We spent a lot of time outside of basketball, getting to know each other and just bonding that way.”
She looks up to Moser not only as a mentor but as a friend.
“I couldn’t ask for a better role model outside of basketball and one of my best friends,” DeCrow said. “One thing that Rhonda is probably the best at is growing relationships and really getting to know each girl.”
On the track and field front, Parker Kennedy steps in to fill the shoes of Blake Risner, who is retiring after a legendary 30-year career. Risner’s tenure saw the Demons clinch 11 4A Western Slope League Championships, leaving a lasting legacy.
Kennedy hails from Hood River, Oregon, where he grew up in a fourth-generation farming family. His love for track and field began early, excelling in the decathlon and pole vault. He won the Oregon State Championship in pole vault and played a pivotal role in his high school team’s first state title.
A significant setback in Kennedy’s athletic career came during a decathlon event.
“I had a traumatic accident during the javelin,” Kennedy said. “I ended up falling onto the back end of my javelin, and it went through my eyelid and about halfway through my head into the front of my brain.”
Remarkably, Kennedy made a swift recovery and continued his athletic pursuits at the University of Washington.
“Three months later, I started training as a decathlete at UW,” Kennedy said. “I was training with an Olympian in the decathlon, Jeremy Taiwo. I learned a lot from elite level coaches and athletes.”
Following the end of Kennedy’s collegiate career in 2021, the decorated track and field athlete decided he wanted to continue to be involved in the sport. Searching for any opportunities, Kennedy made his way to the Roaring Fork Valley last year and stepped into an assistant coaching role for the Demons. Holding a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership, Kennedy is enthusiastic about his new role.
“I’m looking forward to building the best program I can,” Kennedy said. “I learned a lot from Blake (Risner) and am motivated to continue his legacy.”
Alongside the kickstart to his head coaching endeavors, Kennedy will also be teaching special education at GSHS next year.
