Having transferred from North Dakota State University this year, junior forward Katie Hildebrandt is already making a name for herself on the UW-Whitewater Women’s Basketball team. In the first four games of the season she has scored an average of over 10 points per game on over 50% shooting and has 18 rebounds, eight of which came from the first home game of the season against Ripon College Nov. 15. She is already proving herself to be a strong player, and plans to continue doing so for the rest of her time here.
Q: How has your transition from NDSU to Whitewater been so far?
A: I’d say the transition has been pretty seamless because of the great program here and the great coaches and their recruiting style. Everyone on the team here has been great, they’ve been really welcoming, so I really appreciate that. I have met some really awesome people here which makes it even easier because making the jump from one school to another is super hard with my friends that I already had at a different school and kind of starting over, but the people I’ve met here have been awesome and I’ve had some really great mentors along the way.
Q: Why did you decide to make the change?
A: I think the biggest part for me was just the academics of Whitewater are great, and with my major being marketing, this is a great school for that. This school is also closer to home, so I’m able to see my family more which is also a really big positive to being here.
Q: How do you feel the season is going so far?
A: I think so far we have a good foundation. Obviously, nothing is perfect, but I do have a lot of faith and confidence in this team as we continue to practice and work towards our big goal; to win the national championship by taking one game at a time, taking no practices for granted, and taking no games for granted. We just continue to work together because it’ll all be worth it in the long run.
Q: What are your goals for your career?
A: Right now, it’s a lot of school and just getting into my major now that I am a junior. I’ve kind of shaped my thinking into what do I want to do after college and what do I want to do once basketball is done? Because I know that won’t be something I can play all my life so I need to find something to do outside of that. So I’ve been really trying to look up different job opportunities and summer internships, and just what I can do with a marketing degree.
Q: What does being a Warhawk mean to you so far?
A: I think being a Warhawk is just finding out who you are. Both in the classroom, and in this case on the court. I think working together with people has been a great part of my experience here and just getting to know other people here, because the connections you make here are going to last a lifetime. So I’m super excited. I’m glad I made the move here and I’m excited for my last two years here.
Q: How did you get into playing basketball?
A: Ever since fourth grade, I’ve been playing AAU basketball, which is some really competitive basketball. And I think back then it was more just for fun, to meet new people from around my area. And then as I got into high school, I started to take it more seriously and I realized I wanted to play this after my four years of high school was over, because I loved it so much. I think that the biggest thing for me, I didn’t want to be done playing it, so I decided to take a jump and try and play at college and I’m really glad I did because I’ve met some great people in doing so.
The next game for Hildebrandt and the team will take place Nov. 21 as the Warhawks hit the road to play against Illinois Wesleyan University. The Warhawks are looking to continue their strong start to the season, and as Hildebrandt said, not take any game for granted.
