If there's someone that grew up bleeding green and gold, it's
Samuel Hillis.
His father James Hillis coached the Cougars for nearly two decades, from before Samuel was born until after his Grade 11 season at LeBoldus. Not surprisingly Samuel and his three younger siblings were a staple at the gym, shooting hoops before Cougar practices and games.
"As a kid, I had always imagined myself playing for the Cougars someday so when it finally happened I felt pretty comfortable with it," Samuel said. "I have always felt right at home at the U of R and always felt right wearing green and gold."
After helping lead LeBoldus to provincial championships in both 2013 and 2014, Samuel spent the 2014-15 season at Carleton University as a redshirt but quickly returned home to Regina and played the next five seasons with the Cougars program he had grown up with.
Samuel had limited playing time his first season, but saw his playing time balloon the next two years and then took on a starting role in his final two seasons at the U of R. He developed into one of the better rebounding guards in Canada West, with his best statistical season coming in 2018-19 as he averaged 11.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while collecting six double-doubles during conference play.
Cougars head coach
Steve Burrows recognized Samuel as one of his core players this past half decade.
"Over his five-year career, Sammy carved out a path that many others should look to follow," Burrows said. "He made a tremendous impact on the court as the teams he was a part of never missed the playoffs. He was a great teammate, student, friend, role model, and leader for others to learn from. Sammy was also a great ambassador for our program in the community. He will be missed."
Off the court, Samuel was an Academic All-Canadian in 2017 and is just two classes short of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He's applied for a machining program through SIAST's School of Mining, Energy, and Manufacturing.
We grilled Samuel about his five seasons at the U of R –
What was your favourite memory as a Cougar?
Too many great moments to pick just one – but I will always remember intense games. Any game that came down to the wire, ended in overtime, or ended with a buzzer-beater are the most exciting games while also being the most emotionally and physically demanding. Those are the games that really make you appreciate sport and being an athlete, and those were the games when I found myself truly having the most fun. If I had to pick one, it would be
Matt Barnard's game winner against Winnipeg – one of the few times where the whole team literally tackled each other on the floor.
Your Dad wasn't just the head coach at the U of R, but also a five-year player in the 1980s. Does he ever mention that he outscored you 886 to 732 as a Cougar?
He has never mentioned how many points he scored, actually! I had no idea, but I do know that I was a better dunker than he was (and probably rebounder, too).
What will you miss most as a student-athlete?
The experiences and relationships. From enduring a tough game or practice to waking up early for an awful travel schedule, you always have a great group of people to experience it with. Even long eight-hour bus rides don't seem as bad when you're surrounded by family.
What are your future plans?
I think someday I'd like to open my own shop. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and being on my feet. Additionally, I will have a business degree and would love to utilize that to build my own business in an area of work that I enjoy.
What was your favourite class at the U of R?
Definitely BUS 317, Social Media Marketing taught by Jeph Maystruck. Jeph is a super creative guy and very outgoing. He works in the marketing industry as well and it was one of the classes I very much looked forward to attending.
Do you have any advice for future student-athletes?
Don't forget to enjoy yourself. Being a student-athlete requires a diligent and demanding schedule, but I was fortunate enough to balance my academics with sport and social life and have just as many amazing experiences off the court with teammates and friends as I do on the court.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I truly believe that the U of R is an underrated place to play if you want to be a U SPORTS athlete. After travelling across the country the last five years and visiting a good chunk of the U SPORTS schools, I think we take for granted just how nice it is at the U of R. Sure, it isn't perfect – but the majority of facilities across the country are not nearly as nice as what we have. Additionally, I couldn't be more impressed and thankful for the amazing staff (gameday, maintenance, media, etc.). The presentation of events was always well executed and I always felt like a superstar having so many people invested in making our experience the best possible.
