University of Delaware Athletics
Olympian Darrell Hill Joins Delaware Track & Field Staff
9/6/2023 11:00:00 AM | Track & Field
Hill comes to Newark after an illustrious career competing at the highest levels. Hill has been a dedicated professional athlete since 2016, representing the United States competing in the shot put and discus throw. Most recently, Hill saw action at the PA Powerfest 2023 in Fleetwood, Pa. on Aug. 11, where he threw the shot put for 21.28 meters. Hill also competed at the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., a stage he and alum javelin thrower Megan Albamonti shared, and he launched the shot put for 21.38 meters.ÂWhen I stepped foot on campus at UD, I knew it was a place where the winners could win," said Hill. "Thank you to Coach Iyevbele and the wonderful administration for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to help these young women grow. I can't wait to get to work! Go Hens!
Hill's crowning achievement was representing the United States at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, solidifying his place as an Olympian finishing in 12th place. Hill achieved his personal-best mark of 22.44 meters in 2017 at Bruxelles Memorial Van Damme in Belgium to win the Diamond League Championship. This mark ranks him 15th all-time in the shot put. Hill is currently training for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hill's venture into NCAA Division I coaching began during the 2015-16 season, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. This experience allowed him to refine his coaching skills while contributing to technical analysis, video review and team travel. Hill's dedication to the sport was further evident in his role as an ability athletics intern, where he worked closely with athletes with disabilities, offering coaching support and assisting with event coordination.Welcoming Darrell to our coaching staff is an absolute game-changer for our program," said Iyevbele. "His extensive experience, both as an athlete and a coach, will undoubtedly elevate our team's performance to unprecedented heights. Darrell's commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our program's values, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will make.
A standout in his collegiate days, Hill boasts an impressive record from his time competing for Penn State's track & field program. He currently holds the Penn State indoor and outdoor shot put school record with a best throw of 20.51 meters and 20.86 meters, respectively, along with a discus throw of 50.20 meters and a weight throw of 19.12 meters.
Hill, a proud native of Philadelphia, Pa., earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education, Rehabilitation & Human Services in 2015.
Hill's accolades include:
- United States Olympian 2016
- 3x World Championship Finalist
- USA Champion
- Diamond League Champion
- USATF Thrower of the Year 2018
- 3x NCAA All-American
- 15th ranked Shot Putter All-Time (22.44m)
- 3x Big Ten Conference Champion
- 2x Mid-Atlantic Field Athlete of the Year
- Big Ten Field Athlete of The Year
- Big Ten Sportsman of the Year
"Darrell Hill is a great hire for The University of Delaware Track and Field Program. He was a fantastic leader for our program, has competed at the highest level while in college and as a professional and I know he is eager to get into the coaching ranks. That eagerness will go a long way in recruiting as will his personality! He will help the program at Delaware continue to compete at the highest level. - John Gondak, Penn State Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach
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