Athletics & Activities Newsletter
Volume 3 | October | 2025
The cross country team kicked off their season at the Payson Night Hunt, where many athletes—especially beginners overcame nerves and ran strong. A standout moment came when Peter Francis shattered his longtime goal of breaking 20:00, beating it by more than 30 seconds! The team has also made huge strides in strength training, showing determination and commitment that’s paying off on the course.
Adding to the excitement is a new tradition: the Victory Bell. Whenever an athlete hits a personal or season best, they get to ring the bell while the team celebrates together. It’s a fun way to turn individual achievements into team victories and highlight the hard work happening across the roster.
Coach Cowden, in his seventh year at Providence Hall and first year leading the high school cross country program, is especially proud of how the team has embraced the process. With a background in both track and cross country and a new USA Track & Field coaching certification, he emphasizes commitment, consistency, and celebrating progress every step of the way.
Good luck to our cross country team as they get ready for Region on October 15 and State on October 29! We’re cheering you on—go Patriots!
Introducing Head Coach Jack Ballard
Providence Hall is thrilled to announce Jack Ballard as our new Head Girls Basketball Coach! Coach Ballard is no stranger to Patriot athletics—he previously led our Boys Basketball Program for five years, helping to build a foundation of teamwork, energy, and growth that has become a hallmark of PHHS athletics.
Entering his 24th year of coaching, Coach Ballard brings a wealth of experience across both the men’s and women’s game, from college basketball to multiple high school programs. In addition to basketball, he has coached football, baseball, softball, and volleyball, giving him a broad and creative perspective on athletic development and team dynamics.
What drives Coach Ballard most is the challenge of building a team each season—“figuring out how to creatively and effectively get all of the individual people and pieces to work together,” he says. He thrives on helping players grow through trust, commitment, and shared goals, and he loves witnessing the transformation that happens when a team truly clicks.
Coach Ballard describes his coaching style as transformational, practical, and optimistic—sprinkled with cleverness and outside-the-box thinking. He’s known for his fast-paced, pressure-oriented style of play that keeps opponents on their heels and empowers his athletes to play with confidence.
As he steps into his new role, Coach Ballard’s vision is to build on the strong foundation laid by Coaches Anderson and Petersen while adding his own dynamic twists. Fans can expect to see the Lady Patriots playing fast, pressing hard, and attacking early—with the goal of scoring in the first 10 seconds of each possession whenever possible.
He’s also passionate about developing young talent, getting more freshmen and sophomores involved to ensure long-term success and stability within the program.
“I really believe that when we work together to create a positive experience for our student-athletes, we can keep getting better,” says Ballard. “Building the right kind of culture, experience, and opportunities for growth will always be more important than winning—but I also believe you can have both!”
Get ready, Patriots—big things are coming for Providence Hall Girls Basketball!
Introducing Head Coach Alex Losee
Providence Hall is proud to welcome Alex Losee as our new Head Boys Basketball Coach! Coach Losee brings a deep passion for the game and a wealth of experience as both a player and coach. A Bingham and Herriman High School alum, he went on to play college basketball at Peninsula College in Washington, where he served as Team Captain and Vice President of the Student Body before injuries shifted his focus to coaching.
Following his playing career, Coach Losee worked with the Utah Jazz as a Team Attendant, learning the game at the NBA level alongside professional coaches and skill development staff. He went on to coach at Herriman High School and Summit Academy, where he served as Head Coach before joining Providence Hall.
Coach Losee describes his coaching style as fast, physical, and disciplined—focused on developing highly skilled players who play with freedom on offense and intensity on defense. His goal this season is to lead the Patriots to their first winning record since 2019, while building a foundation of hard work, accountability, and excellence that extends beyond the court.
“What I love most about coaching is helping young men become high-character individuals who do well in school and in life,” says Losee. “We want to set the standard—on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”
Coach Losee and his wife, Laurel, a pediatric physical therapist at Primary Children’s, are expecting a baby girl in January and enjoy time with their one-year-old golden retriever, Gracie.
Get ready, Patriots—Boys Basketball is back and better than ever!
