#379: Jon Hill-Central Washington University | From Uncoachable Athlete to Division I Coach

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 lifeDive 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!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.📲 Stay Connected:Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at [email protected], or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍