Kings Athletics Induct Five to the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame
The Kings Athletic Department and the Kings Athletic Booster Club welcomed five new members to the Kings Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 1 in a ceremony with friends and family at TPC River’s Bend.
Congratulations to Blake Bockrath (football & track 2016), Hunter Jessee (baseball & Football 2019), Patrice DiPasquale (soccer 205), Emilee Slowik Cunningham (track 2008), and former Kings Dance Coach, Deborah Smith
Kings Athletic Director Eric Taylor stated, “This year’s class represents the best of Kings High School. Not only were they phenomenal on the athletic field of play, they were role models for our community and our current student-athletes. They are the epitome of a student-athlete and they will forever be enshrined in our Hall of Fame. It was an honor to give them the recognition they deserve.”
The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees are:
Mr. Blake Bockrath
Blake Bockrath, Class of 2016, made an incredible mark on Kings athletics through his exceptional contributions in both football and track. Earning five varsity letters, Blake’s football career was particularly distinguished, as he became a dominant force on defense, securing numerous accolades, including ECC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. His leadership helped propel Kings to two conference championships in 2014 and 2015, while his impressive statistics, including 44 tackles for loss and 26 sacks, cemented his legacy. Blake was also a participant in the East-West All-Star Game. While competing in Track and Field, Blake also earned All- Conference honors, proving his versatility as an athlete. After high school, Blake was an All-SoCon Conference Football player at East Tennessee State University. He now resides in Maineville, works at MassMutual Ascend as a software developer, and works with the Kings Football team in his spare time.
Mrs. Emilee Slowik Cunningham
Emilee Slowik Cunningham, Class of 2008, exemplified excellence in track and cheerleading, earning 12 varsity letters across both sports. Her impact on the track was undeniable, with two FAVC Runner of the Year awards and multiple state qualifications, including a 6th place finish in the 4x200m relay. Emilee set multiple Kings records in the 100m, 200m, and relay events, further solidifying her status as one of Kings' top athletes. Many of those records still stand today. She was also twice named Kings Track MVP. Her dedication to excellence in both athletics and academics earned her the Fall Female Scholar-Athlete award, and her legacy continues to inspire. Emilee graduated from the University of Kentucky and is currently living in South Lebanon with her husband Wes and their two children, Corey (3) and Eddie (5). Emilee is working as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep at Alkermes.
Ms. Patrice DiPasquale
Patrice DiPasquale, Class of 2015, showcased her versatile talents in soccer, basketball, and track, earning seven varsity letters. In soccer, Patrice dominated with All-State honors, All- Region honors twice, and First-Team All-Conference three times. Patrice had multiple conference-leading accolades, including two seasons as the ECC conference’s top goal scorer with 22 goals and 20 goals in another season. She led the conference in assists (13) and scoring (57) in her career. Additionally, she was a two-time Kings Offensive Player of the Year and three-time leading scorer for Kings High School. Patrice was also named the Fall Female Scholar-Athlete. Her accomplishments on the field were matched by her leadership on the court and the track. In basketball, Patrice earned two varsity letters, and in track, she recorded impressive performances, including setting the Kings 400-meter record (6th) and contributing to the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams that set school records (6th and 7th respectively). With her outstanding achievements across three sports, Patrice continued her soccer career at Clemson University for five years and was a team captain as a senior. She currently resides in Greenville, SC, and works as a Senior Marketing Program Manager.
Mr. Hunter Jessee
Hunter Jessee, Class of 2019, earned seven varsity letters in baseball (4) and football (3). Hunter made a lasting impact in both baseball and football during his high school career and had a prolific college career in baseball. In baseball, Hunter was a key player, earning First-Team All- Conference and All-City honors three times while finishing his career among the top performers in several major statistical categories. He finished his career ranking in the top three in multiple categories, including games played, hits, RBIs, triples, and stolen bases. On the football field, Hunter’s all-around talent was evident as he earned All-Conference honors as both a wide receiver and defensive back. After high school, Hunter was a four-year letter winner at Indiana University and earned a varsity letter his senior year at the University of Cincinnati. He now lives in Loveland and is a Financial Analyst for Multi-Color Corporation.
Mrs. Deborah Smith
The final inductee is Coach Deborah Smith. With 30+ years of dedication to the Kings Local School District, she stands as a testament to her exceptional leadership, not only as an educator but as a coach and choreographer. Coach Smith served 15 seasons as Head Coach of the Kings Dance Team, establishing a legacy of excellence and leading her teams to multiple ECC Championships and national accolades. Under her leadership, the program thrived, with her teams winning six ECC Championships from 2015 to 2020, including the inaugural championship in 2015. Coach Smith also led the team to national success, securing a Jam Fest National Championship in both Small Pom and Hip Hop divisions in 2017, and a 2nd place finish in Medium Game Day and 5th place in Pom at the 2019 NDA Dance Team Nationals. Coach Smith’s efforts extended beyond the dance floor, with performances in places like the Bahamas and Pearl Harbor. Additionally, she created the Annual Honorary Military Flag Display at Kings High School, demonstrating her commitment to honoring service members and fostering school spirit. Deborah and her husband Kelly live in Kings Mills, and when she isn’t doing bookkeeping for their business, she is traveling to see her children and grandchildren.
About Kings Athletics Hall of Fame: The Kings Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes and honors athletes, coaches, and contributors who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication to Kings High School Athletics. The Kings Hall of Fame began in 1988 and now has 84 members in this elite group. The members serve as an inspiration for future generations of student-athletes.
