Mike Hill

Mike Hill became the Charlotte 49ers’ seventh director of athletics in 2018, bringing his trademark Gold Standard of excellence to the program. Since his arrival, the 49ers have witnessed remarkable success, including a record eight teams winning Conference USA championships in 2022-23, directly ahead of Charlotte’s move to the American Athletic Conference for the start of the fall 2023 season.

Among the program’s highlights are first or highest national rankings for several teams. In addition, Hill led the introduction of a bold new look for the 49ers after an athletics brand assessment as well as the unveiling of EverGreen, the athletics facilities master vision.

Previously, Hill served the University of Florida Athletic Association for 25 years, where he was executive associate athletics director for external affairs, helping to hire or manage several head coaches and supervise men’s basketball and men’s tennis. He chaired the Gators’ 100 Years of Florida Football fundraiser, and coordinated marketing and promotions campaigns for 21 sports and managed corporate partner relationships. Prior to Florida, he was an assistant to the athletics director at Ball State University and assistant executive director of the Blockbuster Bowl.

Hill is a 1990 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a B.A. in political science and communications. Currently, Hill chairs the C-USA Men’s Basketball Scheduling Committee and co-chairs the LEAD1 Working Group on Name, Image and Likeness. Looking forward, March Madness returns to Charlotte in 2024 as the 49ers will host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball first and second rounds at Spectrum Center.
In fall 2024, women’s lacrosse will begin play, making a total of 19 varsity sports for Charlotte. Hill and his wife, Jessica James-Hill, enjoy time with their children Elllie and Bobby; Hill’s son Luke is enrolled at the University of Florida.