Recent Whitesboro High School (WHS) graduate Olivia Hildebrand has had quite the senior year, and her ambition and drive have continued well past the final day of school.
Hildebrand is part of the Lady Bearcats softball team who, for the first time in the program’s history, qualified for the state tournament.
Born in Denison, Hildebrand has lived in Whitesboro her entire life. She’s the youngest of three children, all of whom graduated from WHS. Her older brother Roger played football, baseball and basketball, and ultimately served in the United States Navy from 2012 to 2015.
Older sister Abigail graduated last year and was a star player on the tennis and softball teams, as well as a two-time State Marching Band silver medalist. Now she’s pursuing a career as an EMT and volunteers with the Whitesboro Fire Department.
With a family well-rooted in Whitesboro, Hildebrand likes living in a small town.
“I know almost everyone,” she said. “I really love our small-town connections.”
Everyone knows Hildebrand, too – not just because of small-town connections, but because of the big things this noteworthy student has accomplished in her time here. In addition to being Catcher of the Year and Defensive and Offensive MVP in softball, she has been a co-offensive MVP basketball player and basketball newcomer of the year; two-time state qualifier in Powerlifting; two-time silver medalist in Discus and All Texomaland for track, softball and basketball. This year alone she has earned gold medals in Discus, Shot Put and, as Drum Major, helped lead the Whitesboro Marching Band to a state championship.
In addition to her extracurricular activities, Hildebrand was also named to the A/B Honor Roll, was a member of National Honor Society and earned Academic All-District and Academic All-State. She’ll also work as a lifeguard at the Whitesboro pool this summer.
“I’m a very active person,” Hildebrand said. “I have to constantly be doing something, that’s just how I live my life. I’m not home very often, and it takes a lot out of me. But I’ve been doing it for so long that it’s just natural.”
Hildebrand has always liked trying new things. As a child, her parents signed her up for all kinds of activities, ranging from football to volleyball. Her dad coached many of those teams and served as a role model for his children.
“I’ve always set high standards in everything I do,” Hildebrand said. “I want to be the best I can be.”
Of all the activities Hildebrand has participated in, her overall favorite high school experience has been playing in the band. Not only did she fall in love with the culture, but her state win this year is one of the most meaningful accomplishments in her high school career.
“I wish I could relive it,” she said. “We worked toward that goal for so long, we were crazy happy to earn that medal. It’s extra special to me because my brother, who was a huge role model for me, really believed we would win. I carry that with me.”
Roger passed away unexpectedly in December. Forever impacted by his influence, Hildebrand will follow his lead and serve in the military after attending West Point in the fall, where she will be a member of the track and field team.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the military,” she said. “When the [track and field] throwers coach from West Point reached out, I couldn’t believe it. I visited the campus and had a great experience. I got to meet the track team – they’re great people, I really enjoyed being around them. I’m a little nervous about going to West Point, but overall I’m really excited.”
After West Point, Hildebrand plans to serve eight years in the Army. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a medical degree and become a surgeon, working in kinesiology or physical therapy. While she’s looking forward to seeing new places and is open to relocating, Hildebrand says she’ll always want to live in a small town.
“Whitesboro has been good for me, and it’s been good to me,” she said. “It’s provided a stable environment. I’ve really enjoyed my life here.”
While most graduates are enjoying a few weeks off before packing and preparing for college, Hildebrand has been continuing to strive for gold with her Lady Cats softball teammates. But it’s nothing she’s not used to.
“Nothing is achieved easily,” she said. “Sure, I’ve been successful, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Talent only gets you so far. Success is never a straight line.”
The team traveled to Austin on a rainy Tuesday last week to face off against defending champs Coahoma Wednesday afternoon. The Lady Cats battled for 11 grueling innings and ultimately fell short by one run, ending the game 10-9.
While not the outcome they’d hoped for, this incredible team of dedicated students returned with heads held high to a community who couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished.