From ABCs to Xs and Os: Georgia Southern education professor seeks to put human connection at the center of classrooms and sports

July 4, 2026 - 08:40

Timothy Hinchman, an assistant professor at Georgia Southern University, is proving that the same techniques used to manage a classroom can lead to a national sports title. Hinchman, who teaches in the College of Education, believes the secret to success in both teaching and coaching lies in one simple principle: human connection.

His approach recently paid off in a big way. Hinchman served as the head coach for a youth sports team that captured a national championship. He credits the victory not to complex playbooks or intense drills, but to the same relationship-building strategies he uses with his college students. "At the end of the day, whether you are teaching a child how to read or teaching an athlete how to run a play, it is about trust," Hinchman said.

He argues that modern classrooms and sports fields have become too focused on data, test scores, and win-loss records. This pressure often pushes the human element aside. Hinchman's research and coaching philosophy push back against that trend. He advocates for what he calls "intentional connection" -- taking the time to know a student's or player's name, their background, and what motivates them.

By treating his athletes the same way he treats his education students, Hinchman created a team culture built on respect rather than fear. The result was a championship season that mirrored the academic success he sees in his own lecture halls. His story serves as a reminder that the best teachers and the best coaches share a common goal: putting people first.