David Hixon

David Hixon is a retired American college basketball coach, best known for his historic tenure leading the Amherst College men's basketball program. Over 42 seasons, he transformed the Lord Jeffs into a national powerhouse in NCAA Division III, winning two national championships and becoming one of the winningest coaches in the history of the sport. His career is synonymous with excellence at the liberal arts college level, marked by sustained success and profound influence on his players and the New England Small College Athletic Conference.

Early life and education

David Hixon was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up immersed in the city's rich basketball culture. He attended Amherst College, where he played for the Lord Jeffs under coach Larry Briggs, graduating in 1975. His playing career at the NESCAC institution provided the foundation for his deep connection to the school and its athletic philosophy. Following graduation, Hixon briefly pursued a career outside of coaching before the opportunity to lead his alma mater arose.

Coaching career

Hixon was appointed head coach at Amherst College in 1977 at the age of 23, taking over a program with limited historical success. He quickly established a winning culture, emphasizing defensive intensity and unselfish play. His teams became perennial contenders in the NESCAC, regularly competing for conference titles against rivals like Williams and Middlebury. The pinnacle of his career came in 2007 when he led the Lord Jeffs to their first NCAA Division III national championship, defeating Virginia Wesleyan in the final. He secured a second national title in 2013 with a victory over the University of Mary Washington. Hixon announced his retirement in 2020, concluding a 42-year tenure with an extraordinary record of 826 wins, which at the time placed him among the top ten winningest coaches across all divisions of NCAA basketball.

Head coaching record

Over his 42-season career at Amherst College, Hixon compiled an overall record of 826 wins and 293 losses, for a winning percentage of .738. His teams qualified for the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament 19 times, reaching the Final Four on five occasions (1994, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013). He won 10 NESCAC regular-season championships and 7 NESCAC tournament titles. His record against archrival Williams in the historic "The Biggest Little Game in America" rivalry stands as a significant part of his legacy, with numerous pivotal victories contributing to Amherst's ascendancy.

Personal life

Hixon has been a longtime resident of Amherst, Massachusetts, deeply embedded in the community surrounding the college. He and his wife, who he met during his undergraduate years, have raised a family there. His son, also an Amherst College alumnus, played for him, adding a personal dimension to his coaching journey. Beyond the court, Hixon is known for his engagement with college affairs and his commitment to the academic and personal development of his student-athletes, reflecting the core values of Division III athletics.

Legacy and honors

David Hixon's legacy is that of a builder who created a national championship culture at a prestigious liberal arts college. His major honors include two NABC Division III National Coach of the Year awards (2007, 2013) and five NESCAC Coach of the Year selections. In 2022, he was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. The basketball court at Amherst College's LeFrak Gymnasium was named "David Hixon '75 Court" in his honor. His influence extends through the numerous players and assistant coaches, such as Aaron Toomey and Willy Workman, who have moved into coaching and leadership roles themselves, perpetuating his philosophy of the game.

Category:American men's basketball coaches Category:Amherst College alumni Category:NCAA Division III men's basketball coaches