Tim Hays, residing in Superior, Colorado, personifies motivation, leadership, and patience. His relentless dedication over the past twenty years extends beyond the basketball court, emphasizing athlete empowerment and excellence. He transcends the typical role of a coach; he is a friend, a guiding leader, and a mentor, deeply understanding that sports are not just about victories but also about character development and holistic growth.
His career in basketball is a testament to the power of patience, often leading to substantial rewards. His coaching journey began in 2003 at a high school in Meridian, Idaho. From there, he consistently demonstrated his ability to instill resilience and discipline in his players, guiding them to many victories. His versatility in leadership took him to diverse locations such as Australia, Colorado, and Southeastern University in Florida, where his team achieved an impressive 106 consecutive conference wins and six straight conference titles, showcasing his exceptional motivational and culture-building skills.
While coaching professionally in Australia, he was honored with the Coach of the Year award by Basketball Australia, reinforcing his status as a distinguished international coach. He perpetuated his success at the University of Colorado, cultivating a team culture of excellence, integrity, and diversity, leading them to their first Sweet 16 in two decades. His persistent focus on player development resulted in 52 All-Conference players, with 17 advancing to professional contracts, underscoring his skill in nurturing top-tier athletes.
His journey has been closely shared with his wife of 21 years, Crista, a former professional basketball player. Crista co-coached with him for five years before transitioning to medical school and becoming an orthopedic PA. They share a love for travel, horses, and the dream of owning a hobby farm.
In August 2023, he made a significant personal sacrifice by pausing his Division 1 coaching career to care for two terminally ill family members. The upcoming 22nd wedding anniversary with Crista, on June 1, 2024, symbolizes their shared love and resilience.
Off the court, his interests include a successful foray into real estate investment. His venture started with transforming an old carriage house in Florida into two Airbnb rentals. Over time, he expanded his portfolio to include multiple Airbnb properties and is now exploring the possibility of investing in multi-family housing, embracing the competitive challenges of the real estate market.
Charitable work holds significant importance for him. For over two decades, he has supported homeless shelters and schools, positively impacting local communities. His philanthropic initiatives have expanded globally, as he has led service trips to aid orphans and underprivileged communities in different countries.
Tim Hays life and career are not solely defined by basketball; they reflect the virtues of determination, encouragement, and resilience. Whether coaching, standing by his family in challenging times, delving into real estate investments, or assisting less fortunate communities, his approach is always patient and guided by unwavering support. More than just a basketball coach, he is an excellent architect.