Sometimes in high school athletics, athletes are unable to win a district championship in their high school career. But a fortunate few get the chance to taste the glory of winning a district twice in one year and three times in their career. This was the case of California High School volleyball and basketball standout Rylee Hees.
The second child of Kent and Courtney Hees, Rylee was born in Jefferson City and has been raised in California. Hees, who celebrated her 19th birthday last week, is a member of the United Church of Christ and has been active in the church since her early childhood. In her spare time, Hees enjoys being surrounded by family and friends, shopping, hunting, fishing and spending time on the farm.
In high school, Hees was involved in DECA, Sounds of Joy choir, and the California High School Student Council. Throughout her childhood, Hees became involved in sports. Her favorite sports were volleyball and basketball. With the help of her family and the families of her fellow teammates, Hees became a star all-around player in both sports.
"In volleyball, the Whitson family sparked my passion in volleyball and put together the first volleyball team I ever played on. I was blessed to get to play with the girls I first started with all throughout my high-school career," Hees said. "In basketball, my father and Doug Porter are the two who developed my passion for basketball. I played a lot of basketball coached by both of them growing up."
But Hees' playing at the youth level didn't stop with camp and local teams, it continued into a traveling squad. Hees played travel volleyball and basketball before high school with several of her friends and teammates from the California area.
"In volleyball, I played on a travel team called Impact which was led by the Whitson family. I am forever grateful for the time they devoted to us girls," said Hees. "As far as travel basketball, I was blessed to be coached by several great coaches. I played travel ball for 10 years. I was coached by my dad, Doug Porter, Nick Totta, and Ryan Fick. All great guys who taught me life-long skills."
When she made it to high school, Hees knew she still had a lot to learn about sports and what they can do for her. It was a hard road to glory from the first day and Hees understood that she had to dedicate her time and her energy every day on the court if she was going to get the results she wanted. But the hard work translated into success over time and Hees quickly became a household name in CHS athletics and her time on the court was filled with good memories of winning and learning.
"My favorite memory throughout my volleyball career was beating Blair Oaks my sophomore year to win the district championship," said Hees. "One of my favorite memories throughout my basketball career was beating Skyline and Macon my senior year. However, it was the best feeling getting a district championship title in my last year playing basketball."
Hees' peak year came as a senior in 2021-22. By that time, Hees had won a district championship in volleyball two years earier as a sophomore. But that championship wouldn't be Hees' only one for long. Hees won two district championships in both of her designated sports, first with California volleyball in the fall by defeating Eldon, then again in the winter, when Lady Pintos basketball overcame giving up a four-point lead in the final seconds of regulation in the title game against Fair Grove to win 70-66 in overtime.
"Winning two district titles my senior year was special in so many ways. Having such a supportive community, great coaches, and even better teammates to work with to earn those titles made for unforgettable moments," said Hees.
This fall, Hees will be attending State Fair Community College in Sedalia to major in dental hygiene. After she completes her RDH, Hees plans to attend a four-year university to earn a bachelors degree. But the town of California will always be Hees' home and she said that she will truly miss the community that supported her and her athletics achievements for so long.
"Any athlete at CHS is rather lucky because of the community support. The stands were always filled, local businesses were always supportive, and they showed up when we needed them," said Hees. "I would like to also thank the administration and school board at CHS who put in a lot of time and effort to allow our athletes to receive the best treatment possible. Lastly, I would like to thank my coaches and teammates throughout my high school career for making it so memorable."
Rylee Hees won three district championships in her high school career. Including one in girls basketball in 2022. (Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Hees earned a reputation as one of the Lady Pintos best defensive players in girls basketball. Often getting the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best players. (Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
One of Rylee Hees' favorite memories in high school basketball was when the Lady Pintos defeated former state-champion Skyline High School 58-56 in overtime her senior year. (Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)