Young Harris College Athletics

Lewis Hilton is originally from Newquay, England, where his love for the game of soccer began. He came to Young Harris College to continue his soccer journey. Once he spoke with Coach Mark McKeever, he knew that this was the coach he wanted to play for and that the College was the perfect fit for him.

Hilton played soccer for the Mountain Lions from 2012-2015. In four seasons, he played in 80 matches patrolling the midfield, and finished with 25 goals and 30 assists for 80 points. He is ranked first in the YHC record book in the Division II era in matches played (80), second in assists (30), sixth in points (80) and seventh in goals (25). With Hilton’s help, the Mountain Lions won multiple Peach Belt regular season and tournament championships. He was named Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2012 and is one of 11 men's soccer players in the history of the conference to be named to the All-PBC team four times in a career. Hilton was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II All-America team in 2014 and 2015. He was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Division II Men's Soccer Second Team and named to the NSCAA NCAA Division I and II Scholar All-America team in 2015. 

Hilton graduated from YHC with a bachelor's degree in business and public policy and a minor in communication studies, and became the fifth YHC soccer player to go on to play professionally. In his seven years playing professional soccer, Hilton played for two years with the Charlotte Independence, two years with the St. Louis Football Club, and he has been with the Tampa Bay Rowdies for three years.

He currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Hilton boldly states that his time at YHC was the best three and a half years of his life. He enjoys each time he gets to come back to the Enchanted Valley. He loves getting to see familiar faces and watch the soccer team continue its success. He has made sure to stay in touch with Coaches Mark McKeever and Dean Gray since graduating, and he loves to assist them in recruiting or any other ways he can.