From Player to Mentor: Cody Williams Returns to Kansas City to Lead Hockey & Mentorship at TPH Academy Kansas City
Kansas City, KS – For Cody Williams, hockey has been a part of life since age three. Now, after more than two decades in the game as a player and coach, he returns to Kansas City as the new Head of Hockey & Mentorship at TPH Academy Kansas City.
Cody Williams with Évry-Viry in France
With over a decade of experience playing and coaching at nearly every level of the game, Williams brings a practical, player-first approach to development. From AAA and junior hockey, to leading UNLV in scoring across four seasons, to playing professionally in France—Cody’s background equips him with a deep understanding of what it takes to progress in the game. But more importantly, it’s shaped how he teaches: with clarity, structure, and a focus on helping each athlete maximize their potential.
As a former skills coach at Bar Down Training and Hockey Center KC, Williams has worked hands-on with athletes of all ages and abilities. He’ll now lead the hockey and mentorship experience at TPH Academy Kansas City, where student-athletes train daily within the TPH Hockey Development Model—a system designed to build players who are intelligent, adaptable, and confident.
“Cody knows what the path looks like—from youth hockey to juniors, college, and even pro,” shared Christy Rutherford, Director and Head of Academics at TPH Academy Kansas City. “But more importantly, he knows how to break that journey down and help players take the next step, one day at a time.”
The Rink at TPH Academy Kansas City at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk
At TPH Academy Kansas City, located inside AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk, student-athletes participate in over 140–150 on-ice sessions each academic year, training four days per week in a structured, phase-based curriculum. The development model focuses on game-relevant skills, habits, and concepts, taught through a blend of small-area play, situational drills, and video analysis.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity to serve as Head of Hockey and Mentorship and to continue growing hockey in the Kansas City area,” shared Williams. “I look forward to working alongside Christy and creating the best possible environment for our hockey players and student-athletes to succeed both on and off the ice.”
Williams will also lead mentorship efforts, helping student-athletes set goals, establish routines, and develop the mindset necessary to excel in hockey and life. His ability to connect with players and communicate the “why” behind the work will be central to the Academy’s second year of growth.
To learn more and apply for the 2025–2026 Academy year, visit TPH Academy Kansas City.
With Williams leading the way, TPH Academy Kansas City continues to build a culture where development is intentional, mentorship is ongoing, and student-athletes are equipped to make an impact wherever their hockey journey takes them.
About TPH Academy:
TPH Academy is an academy-style, focused environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing – in and beyond the game – the next generation of impact players. For more information about TPH Academy, please visit tphacademy.com and check out the 2023-2024 TPH Academy Impact Report.
