Coach Hickey began his playing career in 1998, at Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the cougars enjoyed the success of a state championship in the program’s first year. Hickey continued his career at Central Michigan University, where he represented and captained the Midwest Champion Michigan
Collegiate Select Side on a number of occasions and competed in the National College All Star Championships in 2003 with the Midwest Collegiate Thunderbirds.

Upon conclusion of his college playing career, Hickey played senior men’s rugby around the Midwest as well as a stint in the UK for National Division 2 Halifax RUFC. During his time stateside, Hickey competed with the Detroit Tradesmen (D1), the Grand Rapids Gazelles (D1), and the Chicago Griffins (RSL). From 2004-2009 Hickey
enjoyed the success of 3 appearances in the USA Rugby Round of 16 (15s) and 2 appearances in the USA Rugby Round of 16 (7s), as well as 4 appearances for the Midwest Thunderbird 15s and 3 appearances for the Midwest Thunderbird 7s.

Hickey began his coaching career where his playing career started, as Asst. Coach at Catholic Central High School. From there, Hickey was involved in starting the Davenport University Varsity Rugby team in Grand Rapids, in 2009, which went on to win the 2011 USA Rugby Division 1 National Championship. Hickey was hired in January 2011, as the Head Coach at Clemson, and serves as Manager for the USA Rugby U20 Junior All American Team as well as the Assistant Coach/Manager for the USA Rugby High School All American 7s Team, which toured last summer to UK/Republic of Georgia, and Bristish Columbia respectively.

Hickey and his girlfriend Sarah, live in Clemson.