Graham Hill
Men's Tennis (2001-2002)
Reached the Final 12 at NJCAA National Finals in 2001
Region IV and Skyway Conference Player of the Year in 2001
Went on to play at the University of Arizona
Competed professionally overseas in New Zealand
At an early age, Graham Hill discovered what moved him. Sparked by a self-described “passionate curiosity,” he began playing competitive tennis at age eight, achieving a high level of success all the way up and on into college. That same determination which propelled him on the tennis court has served him well, and has eventually led him to search for new ways to make other things move as well.
Coach John Bell says the Batavia High School graduate “is hands down the best men’s tennis player I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach.” Hill went undefeated during the 2001 season at number one singles, earning the Skyway Conference and Region IV titles. He also teamed up with Ryan Brazas to win the conference and region’s number one doubles titles, leading Waubonsee to the Skyway crown and a share of the Region IV championship. Consequently, Hill was named the Player of the Year for both the Skyway and Region IV before heading to the NJCAA National Tournament in Texas. Hill smashed his way to three victories and reached the final 12, the highest finish ever for a Waubonsee tennis player, leading the Chiefs to 20th place at the Nationals.
After his outstanding season for the Chiefs, Hill went on to play tennis at the University of Arizona until an injury cut short his collegiate career. For a time he served as an Assistant Coach at Batavia High School and as Assistant Junior Coordinator at Rush-Copley Healthplex in Aurora. Hill eventually recovered from his injury and returned to the court, playing professionally for a year overseas in New Zealand. He is a certified Tennis Teaching Professional in New Zealand and has traveled extensively in that rugged country.
After earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2005, Hill decided to change his focus to what he likes to call “saving the planet.” He became an Energy Analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, where he works today. Hill is also currently President of the Denver Electric Vehicle Council. He is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from the University of Denver, concentrating on developing total energy consumption models along with land and water management policies. These days when he is not exploring new ways to produce green energy, Hill grabs for his snowboard, mountain bike, guitar or tennis racket. He is the Tennis Director at the Lakeshore Athletic Club in Denver, where he also continues to give tennis lessons.