Monday Alumni Update: Hillary Klimowicz

10/12/2020 11:12:00 AM

By: Evan Shomo

Every Monday, TCNJ Athletics will check in with an alum from one of its programs. Today, it's 2009 graduate Hillary Klimowicz of the women's basketball team. Klimowicz is one of the best to ever step onto the court for the Lions. She was the 2008-09 WBCA National Division III Player of the Year and owns the school record for blocked shots with 314. Klimowicz was also a WBCA All-American in that season. She led TCNJ to an NJAC Championship and a run to the NCAA Tournament's Final Four in her senior year.

In a paragraph or two, talk about what you've done since you've left TCNJ:

Since leaving TCNJ, I pursued my professional basketball aspirations in Europe, where I signed with SDENT Nyon Basket in Switzerland for one season then played for ABC Limoges in France for a second season. There, I was the only American on the team and fully immersed myself in Swiss and French cultures.
After returning from playing basketball overseas, I finished my masters at TCNJ while working as an assistant coach with Coach Henderson and then took a position at West Morris Mendham High School as a school counselor. This is my eighth year at Mendham high school, my seventh year coaching in our basketball program and my third year as the varsity girls basketball coach.

What has been your favorite professional experience?

Living in Switzerland. My basketball club was in Nyon, about 30 minutes outside of Geneva. Since starting elementary school, I'd never had so much free time on my hands. We practiced twice a day, for two hours in the morning and two hours at night, but outside of those four hours the day was mine. I would often post up on a bench overlooking Lake Geneva and read books that were classics, but I'd never gotten to read in school. Learning the European game of basketball was exciting and challenging. I loved getting to know my teammates, Swiss culture, and having the opportunity to see a different part of the world.

Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates or coaches?

I'm still in contact with Coach Henderson. I'm getting married in June and four of my old teammates are in my wedding party. Before the pandemic, I was playing in a women's basketball league with two of my former Final Four teammates. The friends I made at TCNJ, specifically through basketball, have been the best friends in my life.

What is one thing you miss most about playing sports at TCNJ?

The competition and camaraderie. There was nothing better than going at it against a teammate in practice to then walk over to Eickhoff to grab lunch and share some laughs together.

What about what you miss most about being a student at TCNJ, either academically or socially?

I loved learning and being in a classroom. I loved reading my textbooks and sharing what I learned in our stretching circle in practice. I really miss being able to debate with friends at TCNJ about different topics. Socially, there is also no other time in your life like college where each corner you turn you run into a friend.

What is your favorite memory as a TCNJ athlete either in competition, in practice, traveling or socially?

My favorite memory was defeating the University of Scranton to punch our ticket to the Final Four. In a physically grueling battle, I remember Karen Lassoni stole the ball in the final seconds of that game as we counted down the clock and our team rushed the court. There was no better feeling to me than celebrating a huge victory with my teammates. Even though it's been over 10 years now, I vividly can still recall those final seconds of that game.

Is there anything your coaches said during your playing career that still sticks with you now?

All of the life lessons I learned during those three years at TCNJ while playing under Coach Henderson stick with me. Having played for her and then coached with her, I still have folders of practice plans that I pull out and look at regularly as I coach my high school team and plan for my practices. Coach Henderson focused on team goals, holding opponents to under a certain amount of points, and winning each five-minute segment of the game, which are all things that I focus on within the program I run at Mendham High School.

In your senior season, the team had one of the best years in program history, winning the NJAC Championship and going to the NCAA Final Four. When you look back, how does it feel to have experienced such a great year for your senior season?

It feels like poetry. I'd argue most athletes have their own struggle at times with their sport, and I was not immune to that. I struggled my sophomore year after undergoing foot surgery and it took time to find myself as a player again. My teammates over the years helped so much with that. We had so many important pieces and personalities to make that team so successful in my senior year. We knew how to support one another, push each other, fight for our common goals, and we had a ton of fun off the court.

What would you say to a student-athlete who is considering attending TCNJ?

I really think TCNJ is a special place. For a student who is serious about academics and wants to push themselves athletically, TCNJ has a lot to offer. I loved how supportive the athletics department was across the board. It was not unusual to see athletes from different sports in the stands at our games, cheering us on. The people I met at TCNJ (in the student body, on my team, and my professors) have made an impression on me, and for that I'm very grateful.

Do you have any advice for current TCNJ student-athletes?

Enjoy the time. It's hard to recreate team sports when you're older. There really isn't anything like those four years battling against competitive schools with the teammates you love. Work for it. Nothing will land on your lap, you have to work hard to achieve your goals and prioritize what's really important to you.

Anything else, feel free to add now:

I have such pride in being a TCNJ alum. Go Lions!

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