Coach's Corner: Chris Hill

By Alison Morris

What makes Chris Hill, BK '99, so unique? Perhaps it's his dual role as student and assistant coach of the women's volleyball team. Or maybe it's that he's the only male in the women's volleyball program.

Chris Hill

Though Hill's position as student coach is uncommon at Yale, it's a job he has held for the past three years. As a freshman, Hill joined the men's club volleyball team, which allowed him to get to know the female players. "There has always been a connection between the men's and women's teams," Hill said. "We've maintained a good relationship with them. Whenever we needed help with court time, we would go to them." Hill was also a close friend of Jeff Kirkman, SM '96, the men's captain who helped coach the women's junior varsity team. When Kirkman graduated, he recommended that Hill replace him.

Since then, Hill has been involved in nearly all aspects of the team's organization. Though his class schedule prevents him from being involved in day-to-day coaching, he is an integral part of the coaching staff. "I help run practices and travel with the team to all away games. I work with the junior varsity team," Hill said. "Whenever we are making major decisions or discussing our opponents, I'm on hand."

Though it may seem that being the only male involved with the team would form a barrier between coach and players, Hill said, "I feel I have a very good relationship with them and [they] with me." But being a fellow student can cause awkward situations. "One of the hardest parts is knowing on one hand, I'm a coach, while on the other hand, I have classes with the girls," Hill said. "But it has definitely gotten better each year."

Hill's experience has been entirely positive. "To be a coach is to have a complete reversal of the athletic perspective. Now I understand why coaches make certain decisions. It's about getting a group to work together," he said. "I always like to be involved in the highest level of competition possible. For me, right now, that means being a coach."

When Hill graduates, the women's volleyball team will have to decide on a new assistant coach. "I think they like having a third coach," Hill said. "My assumption is that they would either take someone from the men's club team or hire another full-time coach." But at least for the remainder of this season, the women can enjoy the benefits of a coach with a student's perspective.

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