Hilton Head Island, SC — The Seahawk family and the wider Hilton Head Island community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Joe Monmonier, longtime Athletic Director at Hilton Head Island High School. A pillar of the school and a passionate advocate for youth athletics, Monmonier passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a profound legacy of leadership, service, and heart.
Coach Monmonier was more than an athletic director — he was the embodiment of Seahawk spirit. For over two decades, he shaped not only the athletic programs of Hilton Head Island High School, but the lives of countless students, coaches, and families who walked the halls and fields under his care.
Monmonier began his journey at HHIHS as a Special Education teacher and lacrosse coach, bringing with him a rare blend of patience, integrity, and fierce dedication. Thirteen years ago, he stepped into the role of Athletic Director, and under his guidance, the school’s athletic program flourished. He helped build a culture grounded in sportsmanship, discipline, and unity — a culture that will endure for years to come.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Seahawks. Known for his booming voice on the sidelines, his pride in every team jersey, and his tireless efforts behind the scenes, Joe Monmonier was the steady hand and the beating heart of the school’s athletics. He wasn’t just a fixture at games and practices — he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend.
Across South Carolina, fellow athletic directors and coaches viewed Monmonier as a guiding light in the profession. He championed high school athletics not just as a competitive outlet, but as a formative space for character-building and growth. His influence reached far beyond the HHIHS campus, touching the lives of educators and student-athletes statewide.
In the wake of his death, Hilton Head Island High School has mobilized grief counseling and support services for students and staff. Counselors will be available on campus starting Monday, July 14, and the administration encourages any Seahawk in need to reach out for help during this incredibly difficult time.
Principal and colleagues have expressed their heartbreak and gratitude. “Joe Monmonier didn’t just support our athletes — he believed in them, stood by them, and helped them find greatness on and off the field,” one faculty member shared. “His legacy is written into every banner in our gym and every heart in our halls.”
Information about services and ways to honor Coach Monmonier’s life will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, the Seahawk community remembers him as a true steward of school spirit — a man whose love for his students, his school, and the game was unmatched.
Rest in peace, Coach Joe Monmonier. Your leadership lifted us. Your spirit shaped us. And your memory will forever guide us.
