Hilvers hopes for big score

By Stephanie Smith

Carrie Hilvers is two different people. To see her around campus the blonde-haired, green-eyed student is sweet and smiling. In class she raises her hand and is polite and considerate. There is another side to this woman. Put some cleats on her and get her on the field, and that seemingly innocent person is no where to be found. There is no room for "nice Carrie" on the field.

Hilvers always knew she wanted to play ball. Watching her siblings and their affinity for the sport only made her more anxious to get out there and join a team.

"Because my three older sisters all played I couldn't wait to play as well," she said. "I would practice sliding on the extra fields while my sisters were playing and I couldn't wait until I was old enough."

At age 6 her time had arrived, although it took a little longer to get where she is today.

"When I was little I liked to play wherever the most action was. When I started my travel ball teams I was at shortstop. I pitched in high school, and when I started with Cal State I was a utility player, now I play outfield," she said.

Sitting on the cold bench, in her dirty college practice clothes after hours of running and hitting, talking about her T-ball days still makes her smile, remembering the days when there was no pressure to perform. Times have changed for her, although her love for the game hasn't.

The kinesiology major goes to school full time as well as puts in at least 15 hours per week on the field. Balancing sports and academics is tough.

"It is very hard to find the classes I need to fit into my demanding softball schedule," she said. "I had to put a lot of my nursing classes on hold in order to play softball here at CSUB. Our travel schedule during our softball season requires a lot of our homework and studying to be done on the road and in hotel rooms."

How does she do it all? She makes it sound so easy.

"I take one day at a time and keep a positive attitude."

Hilvers isn't the first person from her family to play for CSUB. Her older sister played on the team for one year, and the other two sisters both were on the team at Bakersfield College. With all there is on her plate it's good she has a family behind her serving as support and a personal cheering section.

"My family are my No. 1 fans! They support me in everything that I do and they are always a great encouragement!"

Hilvers knows the long days and busy schedules will be worth it. She has a plan.

"When I am done playing softball, I plan on using my exercise science degree to get me through the nursing program. I would love to be a surgical nurse or a travel nurse and experience and see a lot of the world."

In the mean time she devotes her time to the sport and people she loves. With a slight giggle she talks about the people she spends most of her time with.

"I love all of the girls on my team. My teammates are always out to have a good time. I have met some of my closest friends through playing softball."

Head coach Kathy Welter says, "My first impression of her athletic ability was that she was a good hitter. My first impression of her as a person was that she was easy to get along with and that she loved to play softball."

All these years on the field will aid her in the future. With no hesitation at all, Hilvers said with a smile and conviction.

"Softball has taught me dedication, time management, commitment, good work ethics, team/social skills."

It doesn't matter what Hilvers does next.

"She is a good player, a strong leader and a great role model." Welter said.