#WVUTech Alumni Spotlight: Hunter Moles, '17

Remind us of your hometown.

South Charleston, West Virginia

Where do you live now?

Kanawha City, West Virginia

Why did you choose to attend WVU Tech?

Tech felt like the best place for academics and athletics and it is where I connected best with the coaches.

What is your fondest memory from your time at Tech?

This is a very hard one, there are so many memories with my brothers on the field, court, bus, van, restaurants, hotel rooms, etc. I would say winning back-to-back USCAA Soccer National Championships (2013 and 2014) was special, or making it to the NAIA Elite 8 my senior year in soccer.

Who had the biggest influence on you during your career as a Golden Bear?

I think when I was a freshman I had some great seniors around me…Guys like Tyler Fabian, Joe Jackson, Raul Martin, Craig Mitchell, Dennis Furst, Jonathan Eske, David Rawlinson, Terrale Clark, Brandon Burgraff, Armond Perez and Steve Coles. They really helped me grow as a player and person and taught me how things worked in college. Without their leadership I don't know if I would have been as successful as I was.

Who was your favorite professor(s) at Tech?

Mr. Wilson and Reggie Smith

What accomplishments at WVU Tech are you most proud of?

Playing two sports in college, going to the NAIA Elite 8 in soccer, winning back-to-back USCAA National Championships, National Tournament appearance in 2016-17 for basketball, earning first team USCAA All-American honors for soccer and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American accolades for soccer. 

What is the most valuable thing you gained from your time as a Golden Bear?

Too many to list to be honest. I believe my time management, leadership and communication skills improved through out my time at Tech. I also learned how important it is to cherish your time with your loved ones and friends.

What was your favorite non-athletic activity at WVU Tech?

I loved being a Resident Assistant on campus, hosting programs and events for everyone to enjoy. 

Did you have an opportunity to continue your athletic career?

Yes I did, but decided not to. I received an invite to a MLS Combine and multiple PDL teams asked me to play for them.

Are you still playing sports right now?

I am retired, I just coach now.

What is the name of your current employer?

City of South Charleston and Charleston Catholic High School

What is your job title and what does the position entail?

Assistant Recreational Director - I manage the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Charleston Catholic.

What accomplishments after WVU Tech are you most proud of?

Completing my Masters in Business Administration at University of Charleston, and receiving the Head Boys Basketball coaching job at Charleston Catholic high school, making me the youngest head coach in boys basketball in the state of West Virginia.

What advice can you give current student-athletes?

Remember why you do what you do. Always have fun. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Do what you love. If people don't laugh at your goals, they aren't big enough!

How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?

I became a coach because of my athletic career at Tech. I realized it was something I really enjoyed doing and something I was passionate about. Instead of listening to everyone tell me I needed to make "X" amount of dollars a year, I knew I wanted to help lead young men and teach them life lessons through the game of basketball. 

Is there anything else you want folks to know about you? Your family? Pets? Hobbies?

I was a part of the last class to graduate from the Montgomery Campus! MontG and the people I met there will always have a special place in my heart!