Koda Hillis '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Koda Hillis, I am currently a junior class of 2023. I started playing football when I was twelve years old after wrestling for 8 years. I started wrestling a week after I turned four and have competed in several state and national tournaments. When I was ten, I had to have corrective surgery on both of my ankles and was unable to compete for almost two years due to being in a wheelchair, walking boot, or crutches at some point of all 2 years. When I was able to come back out to wrestling I went from a 75 lb kid to 120lb when one of my Coaches suggested I give football a try and I fell in LOVE with the sport. I joined the youth football team and quickly realized not only did I want to play football but I wanted to excel in the sport. In my first year I was fortunate to play both sides of the ball playing linebacker and tight end so I got the ability to learn a lot from both sides.

Being a dual sport athlete gives me an advantage over many of my competitors. I was taught at a young age the importance of hard work, perseverance and respect through my years pf wrestling and was able to use that on the football field. My freshmen year I was a starter for the Varsity wrestling team and was able to prove myself to the football coaches to be brought up to Varsity team as well for the last 2 games. As a Sophomore I played both JV and Varsity football for the full season with the opportunity to play every Thursday and Friday night; the extra time on the field and variety of positions (middle linebacker, tight-end, fullback and long snapper) I played gave me a greater understanding of the sport. I then made the difficult decision for a higher education and room for growth to switch schools, now I am the starting Middle Linebacker for the Varsity team at FBA (First Baptist Academy of Naples).

My goal is to continue to play and excel in Football while I continue my education in hope of having a career in athletic training/exercise science. I have been fortunate enough to have many amazing Coaches in my athletic career so far and would like the chance to have the same impact for other athletes. The most important thing to me is to be a positive example to my two younger brothers showing them with hard work and dedication you can achieve any goal you set your mind to.