GREAT SPORT
Donté Hill’s passion for sports is driving his future
Sports has always been a big part of Donté Hill’s life. The Salisbury native majored in sports studies, with a minor in psychology. (Contributed photos)
Basketball, track and tennis filled Donté Hill’s days in high school. And attending his first football game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is one of his most memorable experiences at East Carolina University. So it’s little surprise that the Salisbury, North Carolina native majored in sports studies, with a minor in psychology. “Sports have always been such a big part of my life,” he said. “I wanted that to continue.”
He’s used his passion for sports to support young athletes by working with Greenville Recreation and Parks for the past several years. He’s a basketball and flag football official who’s also trained for baseball and softball. And he spent the fall semester interning with the Wilson Tobs baseball team, part of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) collegiate summer league. “CPL helps groom college players for the majors and can help them get drafted,” Hill said. “They didn’t get to have their season this year, which was tough, but I’ve been running the Tobs’ high school fall league. We’ve been able to give high schoolers an opportunity to play since they couldn’t in the spring.”
In his role, he’s done everything from field prep to promotions and marketing for the Tobs program.
Hill has his eye on an athletic training internship, followed by a graduate degree in physical therapy
On campus, Hill served on the Student Activities Board and played flag football.
Hill has his eye on an athletic training internship, followed by a graduate degree in physical therapy — ECU’s physical therapy program’s reputation is what drew him to campus. He’s also looking to get back to an old hobby. “I’d love to design athletic shoes on the side. I played around with painting shoes in high school and loved it,” he said.
He credits his teachers with making a major impact on his college career and his future path, particularly instructor Whitney Marks. “She’s very invested in us, not just in class. She wants what’s best for us as individuals,” he said.
“I believe the greatest gift I’m leaving ECU with is experience and a support system. During my time at ECU, I’ve had the opportunity to network and gain experience with people constantly showing genuine support for my future endeavors,” said Hill.
He is a recipient of the Crosby Scholars Program Last Dollar Grant; the Forsyth County program helps prepare students academically, personally and financially for college.