Building Game Changers
1/20/2021 10:52:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Quentin Hillsman has spent the past 15 years molding champions, on and off the court.
Written by Rob Enslin, Communications Manager, Syracuse UniversityÂ
Syracuse University women's basketball coach Quentin Hillsman is so focused on his next challenge that when he won his 300th career game last February he almost missed his own celebration.
"I don't always count my wins," says Hillsman, speaking by phone from the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center after a recent practice. "When my wife came up to me after the game, holding a bouquet of flowers, I didn't know what to say. I knew it wasn't our anniversary or my birthday. When she told me that it was my 300th win, I was shocked. It turned out to be one of the greatest moments of my career."
Kiara Lewis, who scored 24 points that afternoon to help upset No. 5 Louisville, says Hillsman took the event in stride. "It was a proud moment for him, but he was just chill and to himself—the way he usually is after a game. Wins are important to him, but not as much as his relationships with his players."
Hillsman has devoted his 25-year coaching career to turning student-athletes into success stories. Since joining the Orange in 2005, he has recorded a perfect 100% Graduation Success Rate. "The best 'W' of all is graduation day," says Coach Q, as his players lovingly call him. "I want them to leave here, be happy and contribute to society."
Read the story: Building Game Changers
