Gabby Hillis joined the Mines swimming staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2023. The 2023-24 season was her first as an Oredigger.
During her tenure at Mines, Hillis has helped lead the Orediggers to six all-American finishes including one national bronze. The women's team also scored the most points at a NCAA meet in program history with 29 at the 2024 NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships. Her time on staff has also featured three individual RMAC titles as well as Head Coach Claire McDaniel winning RMAC Coach of the Year on the men's side in 2024.
Just before coming to Mines, Hillis served in multiple roles with Highlands Ranch Aquatics in Highlands Ranch, Colo. She was the lead coach for swimmers ages 10-12 and assisted with all levels from beginner to national-level swimmers. Hillis also created the Mental Health Program for HRA and served as the program lead, presenting a series of mental health seminars for ages 10-18 along with additional mental health programming. She expanded her skills and expertise beyond the pool deck as well by earning her Nationwide Yoga Alliance Certification.
As a student-athlete, Hillis competed for the University of Florida from 2017-22. That included time under Head Coach Anthony Nesty who also still oversees the training of seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky. As a collegian, the freestyler qualified for the NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Championships as a junior and senior, was a two-time College Swimming and Diving Coaches’ Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American, and appeared on the SEC Academic Honor Roll all five years of her career. Hillis also raced in the 50-free at the Phillips 66 National Championships, and the 2020 USA Swimming Olympic Trials. She was voted team captain at the University of Florida as a senior and currently holds six spots on UF’s all-time, top-10 lists. Hillis departed Gainsville, Fla., with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation. He brother Dillon also competed at the University of Florida from 2018-23.
Additional roles that bolstered Hillis' resume include lead coach at Columbine Country Club, Age Group Lead with the Gator Swim Club, and Camp Coach for the UAA UF Swim Camp which featured international campers and the best coaches in the world.
