BRISTOL, Tenn. – King University Vice President for Athletics David Hicks has promoted
Brad Hill to be the next head coach of the Tornado baseball program after Blaine Brown stepped down to take the Athletic Director job at Tennessee HS.
"Brad knows King, and has been an integral part of our coaching staff the past 5 years, contributing to the development of a positive culture in the program," Hicks said. "During our conversations about this position, he outlined several areas and strategies for change that will lead to greater success, while also recognizing the positive current culture and many strengths in our program that have been developed under Coach Brown. I'm excited about the future of our program under Brad's leadership."
Hill joined the Tornado staff prior to the 2019-20 season as the recruiting coordinator. In his four full seasons as King (plus the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season), the Tornado qualified for the Conference Carolinas tournament in three of the four years it was played. In 2023, the Tornado got off to their best start since 2008, winning their first six games. During the 2024 season, the Tornado beat then-#25 UNC Pembroke 2-1, marking the second time in his Tornado career that King has beaten a ranked program.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God for everything in my life and leading me to this opportunity," Hill said. "I am also extremely grateful for my wife, Ashley, and my children, Brody and Kael, for their support and sacrifices they have made to allow me to chase my dream. To my parents who have been supporting my baseball dreams from the first day to now and beyond, thank you. I love you all!
"Blaine Brown has been a great mentor and a better friend during my years here as his assistant. He allowed me to do my job, while still being a husband and a father, which is not always the case in this profession. I am thankful to David Hicks and Dr. Tooley for entrusting me with the baseball program and allowing me to have a positive impact on the student-athletes in our program.
"I have been lucky to play for and work alongside some great people and coaches in my career, too many to name, but I am thankful for those experiences and the opportunity to learn from them. To our former and current players, it has been an honor to be a small part of your career, and I look forward to continuing to work with the young men in our program."
Hill graduated from Milligan College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Second Education Licensure, before earning his Master of Arts of Education in Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies from East Tennessee State University in 2008.
