VCU news

By Amelia Heymann

William Hitchcock grew up surrounded by soccer. His father worked in the front office of professional teams around the country, and Hitchcock started playing at age 3.

“It’s always been my happy place,” he said.

The generational parallels have continued. Like his father, Hitchcock played soccer at VCU – the walk-on player became a three-year starter on the men’s soccer team and served as captain – and he sees a future for himself in management. This month, he will graduate with his second degree from VCU – this time, a master’s from the Center for Sport Leadership in the School of Business.

“Not only did [William] achieve quite a bit on the field, but he left with both an undergraduate and a graduate degree as well as a new network and skillset full of possibilities for the future,” said VCU men’s soccer coach David Giffard. “He is a great example of what a student-athlete is supposed to be.”

Hitchcock initially earned his undergraduate degree in business management, and he said his major and career path were greatly influenced by his father, Michael. The senior Hitchcock has worked for teams including DC United, the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas, which allowed William, a native of Frisco, Texas, to see the world of professional sports up close.

Through his recent studies, he got a stronger taste of his father’s work when he completed his graduate assistantship with VCU Athletics marketing this past spring. From front-office duties to basketball halftime promotions, Hitchcock said the opportunity solidified his interest in a sports-related career.

“It was awesome to get great firsthand experience – probably the biggest thing I’ll take away from the program,” he said.

Hitchcock also noted how his fellow Center for Sports Leadership students took on the qualities of a sports team. They have a connection on the field and off – or in the class and out.

“You make friends and connections you’ll probably have for a long time once you’re done with the program, similar to when once you’re done with the team – you’re still going to reach out to certain people and have those connections for a very long time,” he said.

While sports management and marketing opportunities might lie ahead, Hitchcock’s eyes are currently still fixed on the soccer field: He hopes to find a coaching position.

“Right now [I’m trying] to get an entry-level college job, to get my foot in the door to see if I can make a run at being a college coach,” he said.

The on-field passion runs deep. From his childhood, he remembers visiting VCU with his father, who played four years as a Ram, and enjoying the campus. So when a recruiter reached out about playing for the soccer team, it was a “no-brainer,” he said, noting that his parents had supported his journey with countless drives to practices, games and tournaments.

“I really appreciate all they’ve done for me to get me to where I am right now,” Hitchcock said.

He also appreciates his VCU soccer teammates, who powered through the pandemic to create strong bonds.

“‘We have a very international and very diverse team, so we’ve got to make a lot of friends from all around the world,” Hitchcock said. “My favorite part of being here at VCU is getting to know all the different people and making all the different friends.”