Experienced education leader joins TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield as student-athletes arrive for the academy’s inaugural year in Olathe.

OLATHE, Kan. (August 2026) – TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield has named Kourtenay Cisterna as Head of Academics, adding an experienced education leader to the academic and athletic development powerhouse taking shape at the Homefield Olathe Training Center.

Cisterna brings 15 years of classroom experience and extensive knowledge in curriculum design, student assessment, educational technology and individualized academic support. She holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University.

Individualized Academic Support for Kansas City Student-Athletes

As Head of Academics, Cisterna will lead the on-site academic experience at TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield in collaboration with TPH Kansas City Director, Christy Rutherford. Kourtenay will work closely with student-athletes and families to provide the structure, accountability, and individualized guidance needed to balance high-level academics with demanding training and competition schedules.

Her experience developing tailored learning plans, monitoring student progress, and using data to guide instruction will help TPH Academy student-athletes take greater ownership of their education while pursuing ambitious athletic goals.

“Student-athletes perform at their best when they feel supported, challenged and understood,” said Cisterna. “I’m excited to build strong relationships with our students and families while creating an academic environment that helps each student-athlete grow in confidence, independence and achievement.”

Building a Sports Development Powerhouse at Homefield Olathe

Cisterna’s appointment strengthens the comprehensive student-athlete development model being built at TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield. Her addition follows the appointment of Dallas Reed as Head of Baseball, bringing experienced academic and athletic leadership together under one roof.

Located inside the 270,000-square-foot Homefield Olathe Training Center, TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield is a day academy for student-athletes in grades 6-12. The Study, Train, Play model combines academics, sport-specific training, performance development, and mentorship within one structured school day.

Student-athletes complete an accredited, NCAA-approved academic curriculum with more than 160 course options while receiving daily, in-person support from the academy’s on-site academic team. The flexible learning model allows students to progress through individualized academic plans while managing practices, games, travel and other athletic commitments.

The result is a complete development environment where Kansas City student-athletes can pursue high-level academics and athletics without leaving home for a traditional boarding academy. They can train in their home state, compete for their hometown teams, and still make it home for dinner.

Open Enrollment at TPH Academy Kansas City

Student-athletes arrive on campus this week for TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield’s inaugural academic year. However, families do not have to wait until the beginning of another school year to join.

With open enrollment, qualified student-athletes in grades 6-12 can enroll at TPH Academy throughout the academic year. The academy team works with each family to support a smooth academic transition and create an individualized plan based on the student-athlete’s goals, schedule, and development needs.

Families searching for a Kansas City sports academy that combines academics, sport training, and student support in one daily environment can learn more or schedule a conversation with the TPH Academy Kansas City team by filling out the form below.

About TPH Academy:

TPH Academy is an international, academy-style 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. Through a flexible, accredited academic model, onsite academic support, individualized planning, world-class coaching, and sport-specific training, TPH Academy equips student-athletes with the structure and support to pursue excellence without compromise. Learn more in the TPH Academy Impact Report.