The Andover, Massachusetts native was a member of the Amherst College men's basketball team while studying psychology.
[2] Following his playing days, Hixon earned a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts and volunteered in coaching (basketball, track & field, football) at Amherst.
He had a winning percentage of .738, good for a 10th place in NCAA Division III history, at the time of his retirement.
[5] In 2008, he reached the national championship game with his squad, where they suffered defeat to Washington (MO).
[6] Under his tutelage, Amherst participated in the NCAA national tournament 20 times and compiled a 43-20 postseason record.
Hixon declined the offer, but suggested Dave Paulsen of Amherst's rival Williams College as a candidate.