TicketsBefore arriving at Cincinnati, Hils served as an Assistant Coach at Transylvania University, where he worked closely with student-athletes on technique development, training, and race preparation.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Hils competed at the University of Georgia, where he was a nine-time CSCAA All-American, earned All-SEC honors, and qualified for three U.S. Olympic Trials (2016, 2020, 2024). He was a member of Georgia’s former SEC record-setting 800 freestyle relay and contributed to former school records in both the 400 and 800 freestyle relays.
Hiils was also recognized for his academic success as a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll. Beyond the pool, he served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and participated in the Georgia Way LEAD Academy.
His experiences as a student-athlete and leader have helped shape his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both in and out of the pool.