The following release was featured on montco.today:

Tim Hamill, a Philadelphia native who grew up in Mayfair and graduated from Father Judge High School, is the director of athletics at his alma mater, Holy Family University.

Hamill recently spoke with MONTCO Today, reflecting on what it means to lead the athletics program at Holy Family, the growth and achievements the department has seen in recent years, and the university's unwavering dedication to its student-athletes.

You've been part of the Holy Family University community since you were 18 — first as a student-athlete, later as a coach, and now as director of athletics. What first brought you here, and how has the university shaped your life and career?

It all started with friends and the chance to play (NCAA) Division II soccer. That opportunity got me here, and once I was part of the community, I never really left. Over the years, Holy Family has shaped not just my career but my entire life — first as an athlete, then as a coach, and now as an administrator. Each role has given me a deeper appreciation for what this place means to its students.

What does it mean to lead the athletics program at your alma mater? How has your perspective changed since your days as a student?

Leading the program is a unique and deeply personal experience. I feel an enormous sense of pride and purpose, knowing that I'm helping shape the same department that helped shape me. Back when I was a student-athlete, my world revolved around soccer and academics. Now, my focus has widened to every sport, every facility, every budget, every compliance issue, and the development of all our student-athletes. I understand the culture and traditions here from the inside out, and that drives my decisions. I've been in our athletes' shoes — literally walking these same halls — so I know firsthand how athletics can change a life.

Since stepping into the role of director of athletics, what changes or priorities have you focused on to strengthen the program?

One of our big goals has been to grow the student-athlete population to be more in line with our school size in the division. When (Holy Family President) Dr. Anne Prisco arrived in July 2021, we were below 10 percent. Together, we developed a plan to add sports that both reflect the interests of our community and open doors for more students to compete at the collegiate level. We've grown from 175 student-athletes to almost 370 in just four years, adding six varsity sports: women's bowling, esports, cheerleading, men's lacrosse, baseball, and women's flag football.

We've also invested in facilities — a turf complex with lights, a two-lane track, a film room, and a new fieldhouse coming in fall 2025. These facility improvements are crucial for recruitment and training and provide a high-quality experience for student-athletes. And on the academic side, we've maintained a strong commitment to success in the classroom. A core part of Holy Family's athletics philosophy is the integration of academics and athletics. This commitment has led to significant academic achievements.

This would not be possible without the supportive environment within the department of athletics and the university as a whole. We feel and see the support each day from the president, staff, coaches, and professors.

What does the new fieldhouse mean for the future of athletics — and how will it enhance the student experience?

The Metz Family Fieldhouse signifies a major leap forward for the athletics program and will significantly enhance the student-athlete experience. It will also be a powerful recruiting tool that features two new locker rooms containing 140 lockers in total, an athletic training room, officials' locker room, concessions, and public restrooms.

I know the fans and community will be happy about the enhanced game-day experience. These amenities are crucial for improving the spectator experience. Fans, families, and community members attending games will have access to comfortable facilities, encouraging greater attendance and engagement. This will also allow us to host more prestigious events for the community and youth groups.

Ultimately, this space will create more vibrancy and pride for the campus while providing closer proximity to all the amenities needed by student-athletes that utilize the turf and track complex while competing in their athletic programs.

What does it mean for students to play sports? How does that help to shape their future lives in other arenas?

Playing sports, whether at a youth, high school, or collegiate level, is far more than just physical activity; it's a unique developmental experience that provides a natural connection to the university, a sense of belonging, and instills a wide array of skills and characteristics crucial for success in all aspects of life. Through sports, they'll gain experience in areas such as physical and mental development, leadership, team-building, time management, communication, and problem-solving.

The lessons learned in sports from handling pressure to collaborating with a team are directly transferable to life outside of sports and, in my opinion, provide student-athletes with a significant advantage as they pursue their future endeavors.

How would you describe what makes Holy Family's athletics program different from others in NCAA Division II?

Holy Family's athletics program distinguishes itself within Division II through a strong emphasis on a "holistic" approach to the student-athlete experience, rooted in the university's mission and core values.

Holy Family's size allows for a more personalized experience for student-athletes. In fact, every student-athlete is given my cell phone number, and my door is always open for them to pop in for a discussion. They are not just numbers; they are family and receive individual attention from coaches, faculty, and administration, which can be crucial for their academic and personal growth.

We have also created robust support services within sports medicine, injury prevention, as well as mental health and academic support services.

This year, Holy Family earned the NCAA Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. It also ranked 21st nationally — and third in Pennsylvania — for its Academic Success Rate with an impressive 92 percent graduation rate. What do these achievements say about the university's commitment to student-athlete success?

They show that success here is a team effort. The relationships and support across campus — from professors to administrators to coaches — make those numbers possible.

You've seen a few different leaders at Holy Family. How has Dr. Anne Prisco's leadership, as the first lay president, shaped the athletics program and the university since she arrived in 2021?

Dr. Anne Prisco has brought a distinct and impactful leadership style that has significantly shaped both the overall university and our athletic programs since her arrival in the summer of 2021. Her support and vision for the university directly led to our strategic growth in athletics during the last four years. More importantly, she actively listens to our needs, understands them, and then provides the necessary resources and support to enhance the student-athlete experience.

Dr. Prisco actively engages with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff throughout campus and at competitions. This high-level visibility and vocal support undoubtedly strengthen the profile and morale of the athletics program. It truly is a great time to be a Tiger at Holy Family University.