Terry Hawthorne
Urbana
Summary
Passionate mentor with a focus on fostering accountability, discipline, and teamwork among the youth. Proven ability to build strong relationships and support holistic development, ensuring academic and personal success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Defense Player Personnel
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
02.2025 - Current
- Mentor and develop student-athletes by emphasizing accountability, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth on and off the field.
- Build trusting relationships while supporting players’ academic, emotional, and social development through individualized guidance.
- Collaborate with coaching staff, families, and campus personnel to foster a positive, structured environment that promotes success.
Assistant Football Coach / Cornerbacks Coach
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
05.2022 - 02.2025
- Supervised and mentored student-athletes, promoting positive behavior, responsibility, and leadership.
- Assisted students through personal challenges while creating individualized development plans and maintaining consistent communication.
- Worked collaboratively with university staff to provide a supportive environment focused on safety, accountability, and overall well-being.
JTC Student Transition Coordinator
East St. Louis School District 189
East St. Louis, IL
02.2018 - 03.2020
- Assisted students with successful school transitions by coordinating services, monitoring progress, and advocating for academic and behavioral success.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors, administrators, and families to develop individualized support strategies.
- Provided crisis support, conflict resolution, and ongoing intervention to help students overcome behavioral and emotional challenges.
Assistant Football Coach
East St. Louis Senior High School
East St. Louis, IL
07.2015 - 03.2020
- Mentored hundreds of student-athletes by teaching life skills, conflict resolution, discipline, and goal setting.
- Built positive relationships with students and families while helping youth overcome academic, behavioral, and personal challenges.
- Helped create a safe, structured environment that encouraged teamwork, respect, and personal responsibility.
Youth Specialist II
Missouri Division of Youth Services (Hogan Street DYS)
St Louis, MO
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Supervised youth in a secure residential setting while ensuring safety, structure, and compliance with individualized treatment plans.
- Managed a caseload of justice-involved youth by documenting progress, implementing behavioral interventions, and facilitating group activities.
- Built therapeutic relationships that promoted accountability, emotional regulation, and successful rehabilitation.
Behavior Specialist
East St. Louis School District 189
East St. Louis, IL
04.2017 - 04.2018
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies that improved student conduct and classroom success.
- Conducted behavioral assessments while collaborating with educators and families to develop individualized behavior plans.
- Supported students experiencing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges through consistent coaching and intervention.
High School Intervention Specialist
Vashon High School
St. Louis, MO
09.2014 - 03.2017
- Supervised and supported students in classroom settings while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
- Assisted with restorative practices, conflict resolution, and individualized interventions for students with behavioral needs.
- Collected and analyzed behavioral data to guide intervention strategies and improve student outcomes.
Professional Football Player
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2013 - 09.2014
- Demonstrated discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership in a highly structured professional environment.
- Worked effectively within diverse teams while maintaining high performance standards under pressure.
- Served as a positive role model by emphasizing perseverance, commitment, and continuous personal development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL 05-2013
Skills
- Youth Development & Mentoring
- Residential Care
- Behavior Intervention
- Crisis Prevention & De-escalation
- Conflict Resolution
- Case Management
- Individualized Treatment Planning
- Relationship Building
- Team Leadership
- Documentation & Reporting
- Family & Community Collaboration
- Motivational Coaching
Timeline
Director Defense Player Personnel
University of Illinois
02.2025 - Current
Assistant Football Coach / Cornerbacks Coach
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
05.2022 - 02.2025
JTC Student Transition Coordinator
East St. Louis School District 189
02.2018 - 03.2020
Youth Specialist II
Missouri Division of Youth Services (Hogan Street DYS)
02.2018 - 02.2019
Behavior Specialist
East St. Louis School District 189
04.2017 - 04.2018
Assistant Football Coach
East St. Louis Senior High School
07.2015 - 03.2020
High School Intervention Specialist
Vashon High School
09.2014 - 03.2017
Professional Football Player
Pittsburgh Steelers
04.2013 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign