Florida Gateway College Hires New Athletic Director
Posted July 15, 2022 07:30 am
Chris Hackett coaching at Frank Phillips
College | photo:
Hoopsfix
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – After an extensive, nationwide search, Florida Gateway College has selected Chris Hackett as the new FGC Athletic Director.
Hackett comes to FGC from Frank Phillips College, an NJCAA school in Borger, TX. There, he served as athletic director since 2020 and head men's basketball coach since 2011. He holds the title of winningest coach in the school’s history with 159 wins. His focus on student-athlete development produced 27 All-Conference players, two All-Region players, and three Academic All-Americans. Of his players at Frank Phillips, 58 went on to play for four-year institutions, including 2018 NBA Draft pick Alize Johnson.
“I am grateful to Dr. Barrett and the search committee for the opportunity to lead the athletic department at Florida Gateway College, and I can’t wait to get started,” Hackett said.“I’m looking forward to working with our administration and coaches to continue the growth of athletics at FGC and provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience.”
As AD, Hackett oversaw major improvements to Frank Phillips’ athletic programs, including upgraded technology and facilities, improved staff structure, and increased funding for salaries, scholarships, and program budgets. In addition to his coaching and administrative experience, Hachett holds a master’s degree in physical education and has more than 15 years of experience teaching physical education at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Originally from Sheffield, England, Hackett attended Sheffield College for three years and led the college’s basketball team to the 1999 National Championship. He played eight years of club basketball in England, including international tournaments in France and Greece, and is active in basketball throughout Europe. He has experience directing multiple basketball camps, has published articles in sports journals in the US and Europe, and was a featured speaker at the Future Stars International Coaching Conference in London.
Hackett was selected from a wide field of applicants from across the country, including candidates from both NJCAA and NCAA institutions.
“Chris brings extensive experience and understands the issues facing intercollegiate athletics today,” said FGC Vice President Tony Cardenas. “I look forward to welcoming him to Florida Gateway College.”
“My family and I are extremely excited to be Timberwolves,” Hackett said, “and to be joining the community of Lake City.”
Hackett is set to start in his new role leading Florida Gateway College Athletics on Monday, July 18.
For more information on FGC Athletics and exciting developments, visit www.fgc.edu/athletics.
Stephen Culotti is FGC's public information officer. Image and layout added by the Observer