Josh Hancock is a redhsirt senior walk-on long snapper at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). However, his story is not just centered on football. Off the field, Hancock sharpens his reflexes and mental toughness in the boxing ring under his father’s guidance and finds balance and focus on the piano and guitar.
Hancock returned to the Sun City at 18 years old after growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Hancock graduated from UTEP with a 3.75 grade point average (GPA) in political science and made the Conference USA (C-USA) Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times.
His graduation in December 2024 was a triumph for Hancock. He shared that one of his favorite memories was celebrating with classmates the night before.
“Going through that last degree program, we all formed a really unique bond with each other,” Hancock said. “That was probably my best memory [so far].”
Now, he is enrolled in a graduate program in leadership studies. Hancock said he takes academics as seriously as he does football.
“I want to use everything I’ve learned in school, sports and life to make an impact [on the community],” Hancock said. “Even if you play professionally, you’re going to need something to fall back on. Put as much work into the classroom as you do on the field.”
Although he plans to pursue football professionally, he may also make a return to boxing through his father’s El Paso gym and promotion company.
“He (Hancock’s father) had me doing boxing workouts from when I was a young kid,” Hancock said. “Boxing was my first love. It teaches mental toughness, patience and composure, all things that help me on the field.”
Even with football and boxing, Hancock made time for music.
“I really enjoy playing the piano, [and] I enjoy playing the guitar,” Hancock said.
Music is a “gigantic stress reliever” for Hancock as it helps him focus and clear his mind.
“If I have any free time, you can mainly find me doing those two things (piano or guitar).”
Hancock has demonstrated that success is not confined to one arena. He walked on, worked hard and discovered that true achievement for him comes from balance and resilience.
Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a contributor for The Prospector. He may be reached at [email protected] and social media @adrian_gonzalez.jr
