Colorado Rapids team president Tim Hinchey is leaving his post to become the chief executive officer of USA Swimming. Hinchey, the reigning MLS Executive of the Year, announced the move in an interview with Eric Adelson of Yahoo Sports on Thursday, and the Rapids have confirmed that it's true.
“This is the only job I could envision leaving the Rapids for, because of my passion for swimming,” Hinchey told Yahoo Sports.
Hinchey joined the Rapids in 2010 as chief marketing officer. He took over as president in December 2011. In 2016, Hinchey oversaw one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
The Rapids finished as runners-up in the race for the Supporter's Shield and made it all the way to the Western Conference Championship, where they fell to the eventual MLS champion Seattle Sounders.
The Rapids increased their number of season ticket holders more than 300 percent under Hinchey's watch, the club said.
"We were extremely fortunate to have Tim spearhead the Colorado Rapids since his arrival in 2010. Through his passion and commitment to the club, the state of Colorado and the sport of soccer, Tim was an instrumental figure in helping make the Colorado Rapids the organization that it is today," President and CEO of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Jim Martin said. "Although we are sad to see him leave the Colorado Rapids and KSE family, we want to congratulate and wish Tim the very best as he begins a new and exciting chapter in his professional career with USA Swimming."
Hinchey swam in college at UC-Irvine, and, according to Adelson, still swims three days a week outdoors. He will replace Chuck Wielgus as the CEO of USA Swimming. Wielgus died of cancer in April.
“My work will mainly be on the commercial side, growing relationships and finding new revenue and marketing opportunities," Hinchey told Yahoo Sports. "But we’ve also got to find those next stars and develop elite athletes that keep us on top of the world."
USA Swimming is expected to announce the move today.
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