“Coach” Hatcher’s career began in 1965 at Norview High School, Norfolk, Virginia, where he was instrumental in pioneering the integration of high schools through basketball. He became the first African American high school basketball player to be named to the All City, All District and All State teams. “Coach” was voted All American, Honorable Mention and was the first African American to be voted the “Most Outstanding Basketball Player” in the City of Norfolk.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he played basketball and was named All Navy and All Interservice.  These honors led to being invited to the Olympic Trials and subsequently playing in Europe. After the Olympic Trials in 1969, he accepted a basketball scholarship to Elizabeth State University. From 1970-1971, he was under the basketball tutelage of legendary coach, Bobby Vaughn.  After Elizabeth State, he was a free agent draftee in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and then began coaching. He coached with the Pro Athletes in Action Tours, the National Basketball Association Summer Tour, and the Pro Team Tours that played in Israel, (HypolHatir).

In 1975, after graduating from Virginia Wesleyan College, “Coach”, was mentored by Dr. Richard Lapchick of Boston University, and began his speaking and motivational career. Dr. Lapchick is the founder and Director of the Center for Sports in Society at Boston University and formerly a member of the United Nations.

During the ‘80s he served as a motivational speaker for the Pro Athletes in Action “Stay in School” Program, which later became the NBA “Stay in School” Program. He has spoken in many cities targeting schools and other institutions of learning as his main venues.

“Coach” Hatcher is extremely proud of his sons who enjoy rewarding sports and business careers: Carl and Charles Hatcher, and his stepsons, Dominique Wilkins (nine-time All Star, three time NBA leading scorer, seventh All-Time Leading Scorer and NBA Hall of Famer) and Gerald Wilkins (New York Knicks and Orland Magic).

In 2001, “Coach” Hatcher gave his life to Christ and began a campaign to help troubled youth, problem parents and veteran athletes, through motivational speaking, counseling and sports broadcasting.