Gary Hamill

North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame

Class of 2024

Gary Hamill

Gary Hamill has been a transformative figure in NCAA Division II men’s soccer, serving as the head coach at Wingate University for an impressive 32 years. With a career record of 378-178-43, he is the all-time winningest coach in both Wingate University and South Atlantic Conference (SAC) history. His accolades include ten SAC Coach of the Year awards and four Region Coach of the Year honors. In 2016, Hamill was named National Coach of the Year after leading the Wingate Bulldogs to the school’s first-ever NCAA Division II national championship, finishing the season with a dominant 19-1 record. This was the first national title in the history of both Wingate and South Atlantic Conference athletics.

Nationally, Hamill ranks 17th all-time in victories in NCAA Division II men’s soccer and is among the top 30 for all-time win percentage among Division II coaches with at least ten years of experience. He is fifth in victories among active Division II coaches and tenth among active NCAA Division I and II coaches. His legacy is cemented with his induction into the Wingate University Sports Hall of Fame.

Hamill turned Wingate into a perennial national powerhouse, capturing sixteen SAC titles during his tenure, including ten since 2014 (six regular season and four tournament championships). He has guided the Bulldogs to twelve NCAA Tournament appearances, including eight births within the last eleven seasons. His success was highlighted by a regional title in 2012 and the 2016 national championship. In 2016, Wingate led the nation in goals against average and shutout percentage, not conceding a single goal in five NCAA tournament games. The Bulldogs reached the national quarterfinals in 2019 and the regional semifinals in 2022. 

Under his leadership, Wingate players have achieved individual excellence, including 29 All-American selections, nine Academic All-Americans, and nine SAC Player of the Year honorees, including 2016 National Player of the Year Alex Nelson.

Hamill’s influence extends beyond the field. He has served as chair of the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee, overseeing national championship operations and coordinating the efforts of eight regional advisory committees. He also chaired the NCAA South Regional Advisory Committee for two years and spent four years on the NCAA Soccer Rules Committee, including one year as its chairperson. Additionally, Hamill chaired the NSCAA Umbro Select NCAA Division II Top 25 Ranking Committee for three years.

Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Hamill attended Orangefield High School before attending the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. Hamill played soccer for both Orangefield High School and the College of Charleston. While a college student, Hamill became the head soccer coach, assistant athletic director, and director of playground sports at First Baptist Church High School in Charleston. Beyond soccer, Hamill has been the Mayor of Wingate, North Carolina, since 2019, reflecting his deep connection to the community.

Gary Hamill’s extraordinary contributions to soccer, his players, and his community exemplify a legacy of excellence, leadership, and service.