Ricardo Hill has been a monumental part of the WHHS boys basketball team’s success. After ten years of being a coach at WHHS, Hill has brought an overall record of 173-54. Along with his accomplishments on the court, Hill is recognized for making personal connections to players, other students, and staff.

Hill took the job as the WHHS boys basketball varsity head coach in 2012 with the intent to coach his son, Ricardo Hill Jr., for one year, and then move on. However, he quickly fell in love with the school and the community, and ten years later, he’s still here, creating an impact everyday.

“Initially, it was supposed to be just for that one year. But then I just fell in love with the school, I grew up right around the corner, I just fell in love with it,” Hill said.

Coach Hill is a well known figure in the WHHS community, not just because of the team’s successes, but also his outgoing personality.

“He has done so much for so many players and students. He gives back to the community and is always there when someone needs him. He inspires so many people by just teaching and always giving advice,” varsity player Javion Bostic, ‘23, said.

“I just try to get to know everybody, and try to help everybody as much as I can, so that is the reason I would say I am “popular” with the kids,” Hill said.

During his ten year tenure, the basketball team has experienced tremendous success. Hill has amassed 173 wins and a trip to the state final four. This is not only due to his dedication to the team, but his years of experience with basketball.

Basketball has been a part of Hill’s life long before he came to WHHS. He was an All-American point guard in college at Ashland University and once his playing time was up, he kept his passion for the game as a coach. Hill coached at a small college, AAU teams, and was an assistant at Aiken before joining the WHHS community.

One of Hill’s greatest coaching accomplishments include being able to teach his sons the game of basketball.

“I encourage everyone to, if you get the opportunity to coach your kid, do it. It was the best experience I’ve had in my life,” said Hill.

After almost a decade of coaching at WHHS, Hill is an avid believer of basketball having a large influence not only on the court, but off.

“[I love basketball] because it teaches you life skills. It teaches you how to be a leader in the community, how to be in the public eye, and it gives you the opportunity to be a role model. I love the game,” Hill said.

During his ten years with the Eagles, many great players have been coached by Hill, including 2021 College Basketball National Champion Macio Teague. Hill has been able to leave an impact on his players, on the court and off.

“The impact Coach Ricardo had on me was tremendous. He helped me with my confidence, because when I first got to Walnut I was not as confident as I am today. He was the first coach to allow me to be myself on the court and in turn help me be the player I am today,” Teague said.

Ricardo continued to help and support Teague even after he left WHHS. Ricardo not only contributed to his basketball career but also his personal life.

“While I was in college at UNC Asheville he always supported me. And then when I was transferring, he made a lot of calls for me and just let me know which coaches were asking about me. He really helped me get in contact with college coaches. When I was at Baylor, he always gave me feedback on my games which was extremely impactful,” Teague said.

Ricardo is persistent with his ability to help players with their game and their personal lives. He remains the same influential figure to his current players.

“ [Coach Ricardo] has turned me into a leader both on and off the court and taught me how to get the best out of the people I am working with,” SENIOR Max Poynter said.

As time goes on, change is natural, and is something Hill has done within his basketball program. He has learned what coaching styles work best for each player.

“The kids ten or even five years ago were a lot different than the kids today. You gotta treat them a lot differently,” Hill said.

Hill said he used to be much stricter with certain things, but has learned to let the players express their personality. For example, he used to require all players to wear matching shoe strings, but now lets them pick whatever color they want. Hill now encourages his players to just be themselves on and off the court.

“Be yourself, just ball out,” is the attitude Hill now takes towards his players.

Hill has this current WHHS team at a 13-1 record and first place in the ECC. He hopes this team will go far and possibly bring home the school’s first state title.

“I want to be that coach to bring the first basketball state championship to this school. So that’s our goal,” Hill said.