El Hilton (they/theirs) has joined the Williams College women's crew staff as an Assistant Coach under Head Coach Paula Thoms.
"We are so excited to welcome El to Williams women's crew," said Thoms. "Along with their 13 years of coaching experience, El brings a deep passion for rowing, learning and teaching that is so valuable to our team and department."
Hilton has spent the majority of their coaching career at George Mason University (2017-23) under head coaches Ted Nagorsen and Joe Richards. At Mason, they ran the walk-on development program, created a coxswain education program and helped to foster an inclusive and competitive environment on one of the most diverse campuses in the country.
From winter 2020 to spring 2023, Hilton served alongside Thoms as an educational resource creator, session facilitator and then committee co-lead for the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
"Thank you to Thoms and the rest of the hiring committee for selecting me to be their new assistant coach," said Hilton. "A special thank you to the student-athletes who participated in the hiring process for their thoughtful questions and the intention they brought to choosing who should join their squad. As a former NCAA Division III rower, I am very excited to be returning to this division that continues to lead in academic excellence and the development of competitive student-athletes. There is a contagious energy with this program and I cannot wait to add to it. Go Ephs."
During previous summers, Hilton has worked with the Annapolis Juniors' learn-to-row and junior development programs and served as a coach for the masters, juniors, sculling and adaptive programs at Three Rivers Rowing Association. Most recently, they worked with Westford Community Rowing in Westford, Massachusetts.
While completing their MBA in Sports Revenue Creation, Hilton served as the graduate assistant for head coaches Heather Barney and Devin Fay at Nova Southeastern University (2015-17), overseeing the walk-on program, team logistics, administration and recruiting. They began their coaching career as volunteer assistant at Indiana University (2014-15) with the walk-on program under Kate Sweeney.
Hilton competed as a junior with Annapolis Junior Rowing (previously Annapolis Rowing Club) from 2006-10, and then went on to row at Washington College (2010-14) under Mike Davenport and competed in the first varsity eight grand final of the NCAA Championship in 2013 (5th place) and 2014 (6th place). They majored in political science with a concentration in human trafficking.
A native of Maryland, Hilton resides in Williamstown with their cat, Peanut, and is excited to explore nature and pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.
