Indiana University Athletics
Where Are They Now? - Sara Hildebrand
10/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Oct. 6, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Over the 2005-06 campaign, IUHOOSIERS.com will catch up with former Indiana swimmers and divers to see where life has taken them after graduating from IU. Sara Hildebrand, who dove for IU from 1999-2003, took the time to fill in IUHOOSIERS.com on her life since graduation.
Hildebrand was one of a trio of Hoosiers to dive at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. It was the second time she made the U.S. Olympic Diving Team after making the team in 2000 as well. In Athens, Hildebrand competed in a pair of events, the synchro 10-meter platform event with teammate Cassandra Cardinell and the 10-meter platform. Cardinell and Hildebrand placed seventh in the synchro 10-meter platform event. Hildebrand, after not making the finals in the 10-meter platform in 2000, scored her two best dives in the final two rounds of the semifinals to earn a spot in the finals. She went on to place 10th overall. She competed as Sara Reiling at the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia. She narrowly missed making the finals of the 10-meter platform as she finished 13th. Only the top 12 advance to the finals. She was a 10-time All-American as well as an eight-time Big Ten Champion at Indiana.
What have you been doing since graduating from Indiana University?
My last year of eligibility was 2003, after that I continued training and competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. I finished seventh in 10-meter synchronized diving and 10th in the women's 10 meter diving. After the Games, I relocated to Southwest Florida and completed my student teaching to officially graduate in 2005 with a B.S. in Elementary Education/Special Education. I am currently preparing to be a mom (due date of Dec. 27) and awaiting the return home of my husband Butch (former IU wrestling team member) from serving overseas with the U.S. Marine Corps.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a Hoosier?
I think the most enjoyable thing about being a Hoosier was the pride that not only college students have in their school, but the pride that the small community around the school has in its students and athletes. I had such a great support system both within the university, but also within the community there. I miss that a lot!
What piece of advice would you give to any current Hoosier?
Learn to take advantage of what you have at your doorstep. If you are unsure of how to take advantage of all that awaits you, get out of your house and spend some time throughout the college/community. Bloomington is such a great place to live and learn through all aspects of life, through books and the people.
Would you say that being a student-athlete at Indiana University has helped you get to where you are today?
I know that I would not have been able to compete on two Olympic Teams without the gracious support of my coach Dr. Jeff Huber, the strength of my teammates and the help of the administration. Having them all behind me 100 percent all the time was a huge factor. I am also fortunate to have such a great education along with great experiences.
Anything additional you would like to add?
Some days, I wish I could go back a few years for just a day to enjoy life in college and be around a town of people that was so great!
