The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#379: Jon Hill-Central Washington University | From Uncoachable Athlete to Division I Coach
1h 45m
Central Washington University Head Coach Jon Hill joins the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast to share a coaching journey shaped by perseverance, mentorship, and the people who refused to give up on him.
Jon takes us from his days as a multi-sport athlete in Portland, Oregon, through NAIA and Division I competition, and eventually into coaching stops at Portland State, Eastern Washington, Army West Point, Rice University, and now Central Washington.
Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who helped shape his career, including Kebba Tolbert (Gill podcast alum!), Chad Perry, Troy Engle, Mike Smith, and Jim Bevan. The conversation explores coaching education, athlete development, recruiting, leadership, culture, and why the best coaches see their athletes as much more than competitors.
This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and thoughtful discussion for coaches at every level.
Topics include:
• Growing up in Portland's strong multi-sport culture
• Learning the value of coaching education
• Training under Kebba Tolbert and Chad Perry at Portland State
• Coaching at Army West Point and Rice University
• Recruiting philosophy in today's landscape
• Building culture through values instead of rules
• Why great coaches never give up on kids
• Finding balance between coaching, family, and life
Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!
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