Field Hockey | 10/30/2019 3:30:49 PM
Nazareth senior field hockey standout Jennifer Hilts is a four-year starter, who ranks among the program's all-time leaders in goals (37), assists (18) and points (92). She has career-best totals of 14 goals and 33 points in 2019. She is a three-time All-Empire 8 selection, having earned second team accolades in 2017 and 2018 and honorable mention plaudits in 2016.
Hilts also excels in the classroom with a 3.74 GPA as a physical therapy major. She is a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad member and 2018 Empire 8 President's List recipient.
Jennifer Hilts - Tomorrow's Leader
Major(s): Physical Therapy
Minor(s): Gerontology and Psychology
GPA: 3.7
4
Class Year: Senior/First- \year grad student
Anticipated Graduation Date: Undergraduate - May, 2020, Graduate - May, 2022
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Derek Jeter/New York Yankees
Various Academic Honors/Academic or Athletic Clubs: Nazareth Scholar Athlete of the Month, September, 2019, Member of Gerontology Honor Society, Vice President of SAAC, Treasurer of Gerontology Club and Physical Therapy Club.
What Type of Community Service Have You Done: I do a lot of volunteering within the Gerontology Club at Naz, where we share our time at nearby nursing homes and elderly living communities, and we also make crafts with the elders and play card games with them. In addition to this, my field hockey team and I regularly volunteer at a local food pantry and have done various other community service events in my time on the team.
Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I’m not 100% sure what I’d like to do, but at the moment, I think becoming a traveling physical therapist sounds exciting. This is largely because I’m not quite sure what population I would like to work with, and this would give me the opportunity to see and try some different settings. It would also give me an opportunity to see more of the country so I can really understand what needs people have in different areas.
What Do You See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years/What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal: In 10-15 years, I hope I am settled into my profession and completely in love with it. As of right now, I could see myself working in a hospital or potentially acute rehab facility with a more geriatric population, but of course that all could change. As long as I am working in the PT field, I know I’ll be doing what I love, and that’s helping people to live the life they want to live.
Any Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On (Where and what did you do or are you doing): This semester I have been working in our on-campus Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, where I have been working 1-on-1 with an individual who has been diagnosed with MS. This experience has really solidified my desire to go into the field of PT and has begun to show me where my interests lie within the field.
How Has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College: Playing collegiately and in the Empire 8 has afforded me the opportunity to challenge myself on a level greater than I ever imagined. It has also taught me about sportsmanship, respect, being humble, and working hard. I am a firm believer that some of these qualities learned on the field truly cannot be learned elsewhere. I believe that being a student-athlete will set me apart from other applicants in the future as I am applying for internships and jobs.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College: Any time spent with my teammates has been some of the best times from my entire college experience, but some of our big wins and our team bonding activities have been among my favorite. I think my favorite memories of all include team yoga. During these sessions, we become so mindful and in the moment, which is tough for college students. In our fast paced and busy lives, it’s nice to just take some deep breaths and reflect on our play and how grateful we are for all of the opportunities we have been given.
Biggest On-Campus Mentor: My biggest on-campus mentor is my former teammate, Meg Beiter. Due to unforeseen circumstances, her athletic career was cut short, but that didn’t discourage her or change her plans. She has continued to support my team and Naz athletics whole-heartedly. Aside from athletics, Meg is one of the most selfless individuals I’ve ever met and she has a huge heart. She is a hard worker, caring, and incredibly detail and community-oriented. Also a physical therapy major, her aspirations of helping people perfectly align with mine, which is just another one of the many reasons I look up to her so much.
What Have You Learned About Yourself from Freshman to Senior Year: Over the last four years, I have undergone a lot of personal growth, and I accredit a lot of that to field hockey. Through field hockey I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and have become a more outgoing, social and confident person. I also have learned what type of feedback I respond to best, and how I tend to manage stress or defeat. All of these will help me in my future career, and just in life in general.
What Type of Leader Are You: I think I tend to be more of a leader by action and not as much by words. Serving as a captain this season has really been an honor, and I’ve tried to just practice and play my hardest season, which I think others have picked up. If I can leave my team and the field hockey program better than I found it, I know I will feel accomplished.
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: In 2007, I grew the largest cabbage in the state of New York, which weighed in at 28 lbs!
Advice for Freshmen Teammates or Student-Athletes: My three bits of advice for my teammates and any other student athlete are to: Stay hungry and never stop working hard; Find the balance between athletics and academics and remember that being a student comes first; Take care of yourself, which includes your physical and mental well-being.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Tomorrow’s Leaders Compete Here” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community.
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The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
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