What is your name and where did you grow up?
My name is Nile Finney, and I grew up in a military family, so we moved a lot. I was born on a military base in Germany and attended high school in Satellite Beach, FL.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?
I am the Athletic Director. My role is to hopefully have a profound impact on the lives of our students and community through athletics and academics.
What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?
Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to coach or be involved in athletics in some capacity. My basketball journey as a student athlete was more of a marathon regarding attending multiple schools prior to my graduation from my Bachelor of Arts program. I attended and played for Hawaii Pacific University (NCAA D2) and finished my degree in Physical Science with a minor in Coaching at Rocky Mountain College (NAIA D1).
Is there something that drew you to this career?
I have witnessed how impactful sports can be on the lives of others and always wanted to contribute to that in terms of leading and mentoring young minds, especially when teaching how to balance the rigor of academics and athletics simultaneously.
What motivated you to apply for this position at Blackhawk?
After learning about the history of the College and it being new to athletics, I felt it would be a great opportunity to combine my passions for development and athletics when dealing with creating a positive sports environment and culture for the community to support.
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
Blackhawk offers a ton of resources for students to be successful and those programs alone set them apart from other institutions. But my favorite is how they genuinely care for these students’ success and well-being. I believe this is present inter-departmentally and it shows through the increased motivation and persistence of our students.
What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My wife (Cameron) and our two daughters (Nadia and Kaia) keep me busy. Anytime outside of work, I like to dedicate to them.
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I’m currently finishing my Doctorate of Education in Organizational Development.
If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?
Basketball season, haha. I’m a summer guy. I love the beach and being outside when the weather allows it.
Who is your biggest influence?
My parents.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
Kobe Bryant
What was your first job?
Stocker at Winn-Dixie grocery store
Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play the saxophone but was terrible and stopped.
What's one song that must always be on your playlist?
“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
What was your first concert?
DMX
What is your favorite movie?
“Blue Chips”
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Michael B. Jordan
What is your favorite TV show/series?
“Ballers”
What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
“Doug”
Who is your favorite Muppet?
Oscar the Grouch
If you could be a pro athlete in any sport, which sport would it be?
Basketball or football
What/who is your favorite sports team or pro athlete?
LA Lakers, Miami Dolphins, Florida Gators
If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?
Telekinesis
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To win the lottery
If aliens landed on Earth, who would you recommend they talk to?
Whoever sent them here so that they can return.