BasketballIn MemoriamWAC

UTRGV head coach Lew Hill has passed away unexpectedly at age 55

UTRGV announced Sunday the tragic and unexpected passing of head men’s basketball coach Lew Hill, who had been at the school since 2016. Hill was just 55 years old.

“Words cannot describe how any of us feel right now. Everyone in our department is devastated by this news,” UTRGV VP AD Chasse Conque said in the release. “Coach Hill was an incredible human being. He was my close friend and a trusted colleague. He cared deeply about those around him, from his family, to his players, to his staff and really, everyone in the department and at UTRGV. We offer our deepest condolences to Renee and Coach Hill’s entire family during this unimaginable time.”

The cause of death is unknown at this time. Hill had just coached the Vaqueros on Saturday night in Houston, a close 77-75 loss to Texas Southern. The team is currently 8-4 (2-0 WAC).

“This is a tragic loss, not only for the UTRGV community but for the entire Rio Grande Valley community,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “Coach Hill was very involved in the community and always had a knack for making everyone he met feel special. On behalf of the entire university, we convey our heartfelt condolences to Coach Hill’s family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts in the following days.”

Hill made quite an impact on the young UTRGV program, taking a team that won just 10 games in his first season to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2018 and 2019.

Coach Hill is survived by his wife, Renee, their two children, Lewis Jr. (LJ) and Elle, and three other daughters, Sierra, Erica and Asya.

The school stated that an acting head coach, as well as the status of upcoming games, will be announced in the near future.

 

credit to UTRGV Athletics for the image