Dave HoffmanTwo decades ago, Dave Hoffman was a successful student-athlete in the wrestling program at The Hill School. Now he is returning to the Pennsylvania-based preparatory boarding school as head wrestling coach.
Hoffman, a 2001 Hill graduate, replaces Mark Pearson (Class of 1978), who is stepping away as coach of The Hill mat program to devote more time to his position as Director of the Humphrey Family Writing Center.
Hoffman brings a blend of on-the-mat accomplishments, extensive coaching experience and firsthand knowledge of The Hill School in his new position heading up the wrestling program.
A native of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Hoffman arrived on The Hill campus in 1996 ... and, as the school's announcement of his hire, "Five years later, he graduated as the most decorated wrestler of The Hill's modern era."
In his wrestling career at The Hill School, Hoffman compiled an overall record of 212-17, for a 92 percent win rate. Hoffman was a five-time Pennsylvania Independent School Wrestling Tournament champion; a five-time National Prep All-American; and a two-time National Prep champion, winning his weight class in 1999 and 2001.
After graduating from The Hill, Hoffman continued his wrestling career at Virginia Tech, where he was a three-year team captain. He qualified for the NCAA Division I Tournament all four years, earning All-American status as a senior. That same year, Hoffman also won his weight class at the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) tournament. As a Hokie, Hoffman posted a 116-32 career record.
Hoffman then launched his coaching career, starting at Bucknell University as an assistant coach for six seasons ... then returning to Virginia Tech in 2012 as an assistant coach for four years. During that time, the Hokies finished ranked in the top-10 in Division I, culminating with a fourth-place finish in 2016. Over that stretch, the team produced 14 ACC champions, 17 NCAA All-Americans, and had its first NCAA finalist.
For the past two seasons, Hoffman has been the head assistant coach at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. As the head assistant, his responsibilities included developing and conducting team and individual practice sessions; recruiting management and material development; and running the UTC Wrestling Camps.
"It is my great honor to be appointed the next head wrestling coach for The Hill School," Hoffman said. "When I think back to the day that I walked into my first wrestling practice nearly 30 years ago, I never dreamt that the sport would take me this far or captivate me for this long. I have been truly blessed to have been surrounded by so many great coaches, teachers, and mentors along this journey, and I can only hope to pay that forward at The Hill."
The Hill School is a coeducational preparatory boarding school located in Pottstown, Pa. about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The Hill has approximately 500 students.
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