Rob Williams-Hinton ’09: Lessons in Teamwork That Last a Lifetime

As we approach the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this October, Emmanuel College is highlighting the achievements of this year’s inductees.

In the weeks ahead, we will share profiles of the student-athletes, coaches, and supporters whose dedication, leadership, and excellence have left a lasting mark on Saints athletics.

Rob Williams-Hinton arrived at Emmanuel College in 2004 ready to leave his mark, bringing intensity, focus, and a relentless work ethic that would define his time on and off the court. Over the next five years, he would break records, lead his team with determination, and learn lessons that continue to shape the way he inspires his own students today. This October, Williams-Hinton will be inducted into the Emmanuel College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Born in Detroit and raised in Oak Park, Michigan, Williams-Hinton had always felt a connection to Boston. “My mom was born and raised here before moving to Detroit, and my father also lived in Boston. Every summer I’d visit family, so when I had the opportunity to visit Emmanuel College, it immediately felt like home,” he said. Though he made his decision to attend just weeks before the semester began, he knew instantly that Emmanuel was the right choice.

Building History on the Court

At the time, the men’s basketball program was still new, and Williams-Hinton saw an opportunity to make a mark. He connected with then Coach Jamahl Jackson during his senior year of high school and felt an immediate bond with the team. “From the moment I stepped on Emmanuel’s campus, I knew this was the place for me,” he recalled.

Williams-Hinton’s senior year was punctuated by a ritual that captured the spirit of the team. Then Assistant Coach Darwin Zook created a highlight DVD of the team’s plays, set to music that resonated with the players. It became a pregame tradition, played on the bus before road games, rallying the team and etching those moments into memory. “Every time I watch it,” Williams-Hinton said, “I remember exactly what was happening—every play, every teammate, every moment.”

One standout season saw the team go 17–1 in conference play, a winning streak that remains a highlight of his career. Equally memorable were the relationships formed along the way. “We didn’t always get along, but at the end of the day, we were like brothers,” he said. Some of those friendships endure nearly 20 years later—he still plays in a league with a former teammate.

Athletic Achievements and Recognition

Williams-Hinton is one of the all-time greats in Saints men’s basketball history. He appeared in 112 career games and started 111—both program records. With 1,778 career points, he remains the all-time leading scorer. He is the only player in team history with more than 600 field goals made, and his 197 three-pointers rank second all-time. Williams-Hinton also holds the program record for career steals, ranks second in scoring average and assists, and is among the top five in free throws made and defensive rebounds.

His skill and leadership earned widespread recognition: he was named to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Second Team as a sophomore and the GNAC First Team in both his junior and senior years. At his final Awards Banquet, he received the Andrew Yosinoff Senior Athletic Achievement Award, cementing his place as one of the most decorated student-athletes in Emmanuel history.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Williams-Hinton faced setbacks as a freshman. Within the first ten minutes of his first scrimmage, he tore his ACL, an injury that sidelined him for the season and tested his confidence. His grades suffered, and he faced the possibility of not returning to school. With guidance from Katherine Trask, then Director of the Academic Resource Center, he reclaimed his academic footing. “She told me, ‘If nothing changes, nothing changes,’” he recalled. That mantra continues to shape how he mentors students today.

He also credits staff who supported him throughout college, including Damita Davis, former Director of Multicultural Programs. “She always looked out for me,” he said.

From Athlete to Educator

After graduating with a business degree, Williams-Hinton found his calling in education. A chance conversation with a former teammate led him to tutoring at Mission Grammar School, and from there, a career in Boston Public Schools. Today, he teaches high school math, bringing the same lessons of teamwork, accountability, and resilience to his classrooms.

“The team aspect of basketball informs everything I do,” he said. He emphasizes collaboration and reflection, encouraging students to embrace mistakes and see failure as an opportunity for growth. “Everybody makes mistakes. I try to instill that in my students—and sometimes even my colleagues,” he added.

At Emmanuel, Williams-Hinton found more than athletic success. He found coaches, trainers, mentors, and peers who challenged and supported him, helping him grow in confidence and character. “I’m most grateful for all the interactions I had, for people allowing me to be me. Those experiences shaped who I am today,” he said.

Reflecting on the upcoming Hall of Fame induction, he said, “It’s surreal. Even though the recognition is for me, it really belongs to all of us. I couldn’t have done this without my teammates and coaches. I’m proud, but I’m also grateful.”

From breaking records on the court to inspiring students in Boston classrooms, Rob Williams-Hinton’s story is defined by perseverance, mentorship, and enduring community. This October, Emmanuel College will honor not only his athletic achievements but the character and leadership that continue to leave a lasting imprint on everyone he encounters.