HIllary Simon: E8 Life After the Game
The Empire 8 is proud of all former student-athletes, and in recognition of their accomplishments after their playing days, we launched #E8 Life After the Game, a conference version of
NCAA Life After the Game.
Former Nazareth College dual sport athlete Hillary Simon ’11 spent many hours on the soccer field and basketball court but was equally devoted to her academics. That is the idea behind the student-athlete, right? Students first, and athletes second.
Her dedication led to many honors and accolades including E8 women’s soccer defensive player of the year, All-Conference, Academic All-Region and two-year captain of two teams. But more impressive was her perfect class attendance (other than missing for a game) which led to her acceptance into Medical School.
Today she devotes her time to her patients as a second year General Surgery resident in Pittsburgh, PA.
Every game day Simon had to be on your toes and ready to compete at a high level and that readiness holds true in her career path. She has to prepare for surgeries but also be ready for the unexpected.
Millions of former NCAA student-athletes are making positive impacts across the globe on a daily basis with many crediting their success to their student-athlete academic and athletic experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at the story of former #E8 student-athlete Hillary Simon, Nazareth class of 2011.
Name: Hillary Simon
What year did you graduate: 2011
Why did you choose to attend Nazareth? What was your major?: I knew the moment I stepped foot on Nazareth’s campus during my recruiting trip that it was the place for me. The people were friendly, I instantly meshed with the women’s soccer team, and the small class size was ideal for the way I learn best. I majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Pre-medicine.
What sport(s) did you play at Nazareth? Women’s Soccer – 4 years, Women’s Basketball – 4 years, Women’s Golf – 1 year
Describe your career path since graduating from Nazareth? The first year after graduating from Nazareth I kept myself very busy with various jobs. I worked as an assistant women’s soccer coach at SUNY Morrisville, a goalkeeper trainer for my childhood futbol club, a bank teller during the day, an AAU girls’ basketball coach, a waitress at a local ski-resort restaurant on weekends during the winter, and played goalkeeper for a local women’s semi-professional soccer team. After taking the year off from school to work and play, in 2012 I began medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA- Go Hokies! I completed 4 years of medical school and was accepted into a general surgery residency program. I am currently a second year General Surgery resident at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. After completing the 5-year residency program, I hope to complete a fellowship in order to specialize in Colon and Rectal Surgery.
What is your current job title and what does your position entail? As a 2
nd year General Surgery resident, my primary role is to provide medical and surgical care to my patients each day. I am also an active participant/trainee in the operating room each day. Depending on which surgical service I am currently working on, i.e. Colon and Rectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Transplant Surgery, or Acute Care Surgery, the amount of time spent directly caring for patients on the floor and in the operating room varies. Time spent in the operating room increases each year of residency.
What was most memorable to you about your experiences at Nazareth as a student? As an athlete? As a student, I truly enjoyed waking up each day, attending class, and learning with my brilliant classmates. Nazareth has a small class size, so everyone ends up developing close relationships with classmates of their same major as well as the professors – one of the perks that drew me to Nazareth initially!
As an athlete, while an NCAA appearance and Empire 8 soccer championship games against Ithaca initially stick out in my head as most memorable, the memories I hold true are the times spent with my teammates traveling, in the locker room, jump-roping before practice, and at get-togethers at my house on Park Ave! The best time of my life, for sure. Thank you Naz Soccer and Hoops!
What would you say were your greatest athletic and academic accomplishment during your time at Utica? Two-year captain of Nazareth Women’s Soccer and Basketball teams, E8 Defensive Player of the Year, Academic All-Region, Acceptance into my medical school of choice, Perfect attendance (except when I had to miss for games)
When you hear “Nazareth” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Fun
What advice would you give to current student-athletes? Set daily, short term and long term goals for everything that you do, write them down, and then don’t quit until you win. The satisfaction of crossing a “to-do” off your list is the best feeling the world.
What do you do in your spare time? I recently bought my first house, so I like to do home improvement projects in my spare time, anything from painting to plumbing!
Top 3 things on your bucket list? 1) Learn to scuba dive in order to explore the Great Barrier Reef while visiting Australia for the first time. 2) Learn to fly a plane. 3) Become fluent in medical Spanish.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I prefer to spend time alone.
Rapid Fire questions
Favorite food - Steak
Favorite band/musician – Michael Jackson
Favorite TV show – Bachelor (guilty pleasure)
Favorite Movie – Dirty Dancing
Favorite Book – The Boys in the Boat
Favorite place to visit - 4
th Lake, Old Forge, NY
Can’t live without – Friends, Dogs, Family
Pet Peeve – Showing up late