#379: Jon Hill-Central Washington University | From Uncoachable Athlete to Division I Coach
The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections PodcastShow Notes
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! 🎙️ 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! 🎧👍
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What would make a coach walk away from nearly unmatched success to start again with nothing? After winning 25 state championships at Centennial High School, Roy Session could have comfortably finished his career as one of Nevada’s most accomplished coaches. Instead, the retired fire chief accepted an entirely new challenge: building Nevada State University’s track and field program from the ground up. In this episode, Roy shares his remarkable journey from growing up in West Las Vegas and discovering that track could take him to college, to serving 30 years in the fire department, building a youth club, creating a high school dynasty, and giving Nevada athletes a new opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. 🔥 How the fire service shaped Roy’s leadership philosophy 🏆 What it took to win 25 high school state championships 🤝 Why empowering assistant coaches produces stronger programs 🦂 The challenge of building Nevada State track and field from scratch 💪 Why Roy’s teams live by one standard: “We will not be outworked” ❤️ How coaching allows him to give young people opportunities he never imagined for himself Roy Session doesn’t run from difficult challenges—he finds purpose in them. Press play and meet a coach whose humility, competitiveness, and commitment to serving others have changed countless lives. 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! 🎙️ 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 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
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