Who is Elizabeth Hillman. How has she contributed to UNC’s lacrosse program. What are her key achievements and statistics. How has her career progressed from high school to college.
Elizabeth Hillman’s Journey to Lacrosse Stardom
Elizabeth Kate Hillman, born on December 13 in Baltimore, Maryland, has emerged as a formidable force in the world of women’s lacrosse. Her journey from a multi-sport high school athlete to a key player for the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels is a testament to her dedication and skill.
High School Accolades
Hillman’s lacrosse career began at Bel Air High School, where she quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional athlete. Her achievements include:
- Four years of varsity lacrosse
- Ranked #1 overall incoming freshman by Inside Lacrosse
- Named top incoming midfielder in the nation for the 2019 season
- Under Armour All-America selection
- 2017 3A-4A Maryland state champion
- Four-time first-team all-county selection
- Two-time first-team all-state and two-time second-team all-state honoree
- Two-year team captain
Beyond lacrosse, Hillman excelled in basketball and soccer, demonstrating her versatility as an athlete. She was a first-team all-state pick and three-year captain in basketball, as well as a second-team all-state pick in soccer.
Collegiate Career at UNC: A Rising Star
Hillman’s transition to collegiate lacrosse at UNC has been marked by steady growth and impressive performances. Her career statistics and achievements highlight her impact on the team:
Freshman Year (2019)
Hillman made an immediate impact as a freshman, contributing significantly to the Tar Heel midfield. Her notable achievements include:
- Scoring twice in the NCAA quarterfinal win over Virginia
- Tallying an assist in the NCAA semifinal against Boston College
- Winning a gold medal with the U19 U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2019 World Lacrosse Women’s U19 World Championship
Sophomore Year (2020)
Unfortunately, Hillman had to redshirt the 2020 season, taking a temporary pause in her collegiate career.
Redshirt Sophomore Year (2021)
Returning from injury, Hillman quickly reestablished herself as a crucial part of the Tar Heel midfield. Her statistics for the season include:
- 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points
- 31 draw controls (third-highest on the team)
- Started 11 games and appeared in 17
- Season-high of 2 ground balls on three occasions
- Season-high of 4 draw controls twice
Hillman’s performance against Syracuse in both the regular season and the ACC Tournament final was particularly noteworthy, showcasing her all-around skills.
Hillman’s Evolving Role and Impact
As Hillman progressed through her collegiate career, her contributions to the UNC women’s lacrosse team became increasingly significant. Her versatility and skill set have made her an invaluable asset to the Tar Heels.
Redshirt Junior Year (2022)
The 2022 season saw Hillman take on an even more prominent role, starting in all 17 games she played. Her statistics for the season were impressive:
- 10 goals and 4 assists for 14 points
- 7 ground balls
- 9 caused turnovers
- 32 draw controls (fourth-highest on the team)
This season marked several career highs for Hillman, including goals, assists, points, and draw controls. Some standout performances include:
- First career hat trick against Florida on February 19
- Career-high 5 draw controls in the same game
- Two goals against Boston College on March 20
- Crucial goal in the NCAA Quarterfinal against Stony Brook on May 19
- Strong performance in the Final Four against Northwestern on May 27
Senior Year and Beyond: Continuing Excellence
In her redshirt senior year (2023), Hillman continued to be a valuable contributor to the UNC women’s lacrosse team. Her performance during this season included:
- Appearances in 13 games, with 4 starts
- 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points against #12 Virginia on March 11
- 7 draw controls, 2 ground balls, and 2 caused turnovers over the season
- Notable performance against Duke on April 20 with 2 draw controls and 1 caused turnover
As Hillman’s collegiate career draws to a close, her impact on the UNC women’s lacrosse program is undeniable. Her growth from a highly-touted freshman to a seasoned senior has been marked by consistent improvement and valuable contributions to the team’s success.
Elizabeth Hillman’s Playing Style and Strengths
Throughout her career at UNC, Hillman has demonstrated a versatile skill set that makes her a threat in multiple aspects of the game. Her playing style is characterized by:
- Strong midfield presence
- Ability to contribute both offensively and defensively
- Excellent draw control skills
- Knack for causing turnovers
- Clutch performances in high-pressure situations
These attributes have made Hillman a key player in UNC’s lacrosse program, capable of influencing the game in various ways.
Offensive Capabilities
While not primarily known as a high-volume scorer, Hillman has shown the ability to find the back of the net when it matters most. Her offensive contributions include:
- Timely goals in crucial games, including NCAA tournament matches
- Ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates
- Versatility in attack, scoring from various positions on the field
Defensive Prowess
Hillman’s defensive skills have been a significant asset to the Tar Heels. Her defensive contributions are evident in:
- Consistent ground ball recoveries
- Ability to cause turnovers and disrupt opposing attacks
- Strong positioning and field awareness
The Impact of Elizabeth Hillman on UNC Women’s Lacrosse
Elizabeth Hillman’s career at UNC has coincided with a period of significant success for the women’s lacrosse program. Her contributions have played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in both conference play and national tournaments.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Beyond her on-field performances, Hillman has emerged as a leader within the UNC lacrosse team. Her experience and consistent presence have likely influenced younger players and contributed to the team’s overall chemistry.
Clutch Performances
Hillman’s ability to perform in high-stakes situations has been particularly valuable to the Tar Heels. Her contributions in NCAA tournament games and against ranked opponents have helped solidify UNC’s position as a top lacrosse program.
Elizabeth Hillman’s Legacy and Future Prospects
As Hillman’s collegiate career comes to a close, her impact on the UNC women’s lacrosse program is undeniable. Her journey from a highly-ranked recruit to a key contributor on a top collegiate team serves as an inspiration to aspiring lacrosse players.
Potential for Professional Career
Given her successful collegiate career, Hillman may have opportunities to continue playing lacrosse at a professional level. The growth of professional women’s lacrosse leagues could provide a platform for her to further showcase her skills.
Influence on Future Generations
Hillman’s success story at UNC may inspire future recruits and contribute to the continued success of the women’s lacrosse program. Her versatility and consistent improvement throughout her collegiate career serve as a model for young players to emulate.
Elizabeth Hillman: More Than an Athlete
While Hillman’s athletic achievements are impressive, it’s important to note that she is more than just a lacrosse player. Her academic pursuits and personal interests provide a fuller picture of her character and potential future endeavors.
Academic Pursuits
At UNC, Hillman is majoring in media and journalism with a focus on advertising and public relations. She is also pursuing a minor in conflict management. This academic background suggests a diverse range of interests and potential career paths beyond athletics.
Personal Background
Elizabeth Kate Hillman is the daughter of Rod Hillman. Her roots in Baltimore, Maryland, and her multi-sport background in high school paint a picture of a well-rounded individual with a strong athletic foundation.
Hillman’s journey from a standout high school athlete to a key player for one of the nation’s top collegiate lacrosse programs is a testament to her skill, dedication, and growth as both an athlete and an individual. As she moves forward, whether in professional lacrosse, her chosen field of study, or other pursuits, Elizabeth Hillman’s experiences at UNC have undoubtedly prepared her for future success.
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Elizabeth Hillman – Women’s Lacrosse
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Biography
R-SENIOR (2023) – Saw action in 13 games, earning a starting role in four … Notched a goal and an assist for two points vs. #12 Virginia on March 11 … Finished the year with seven draw controls, two ground balls and two caused turnovers … Had two draw controls and one caused turnover at Duke on April 20.
R-JUNIOR (2022) – Played and started in 17 games … Finished the season with 10 goals, four assists, 14 points, seven ground balls, nine caused turnovers and 32 draw controls … Set career-highs for goals, assists, points and draw controls, the latter which ranked fourth on UNC’s roster … First career hat trick was at Florida on Feb. 19 where she also had a career-high five draw controls … Notched two goals at Boston College on March 20 … Scored a goal vs. Stony Brook on May 19 in the NCAA Quarterfinal … Had two ground balls, four caused turnovers and two draw controls vs. Northwestern in the Final Four on May 27.
R-SOPHOMORE (2021) — Returned to the field after missing the 2020 season due to injury and immediately became a huge part of the Tar Heel midfield once again ..
. Started the first 11 games of the year and appeared in 17 … Missed four games at midseason due to injury … Finished the year with seven goals and four assists for 11 points … Had a season-high two ground balls on three occasions and a season-high four draw controls twice … At her best in the regular season win over Syracuse, finishing with a goal, an assist, two ground balls, three draw controls and two caused turnovers … Also played great against the Orange in the ACC Tournament final, finishing with a goal, an assist and two ground balls … Tied her career high and set a season high by scoring two goals at Virginia Tech … Finished third among Tar Heels with 31 draw controls on the season.
SOPHOMORE (2020) — Redshirted the 2020 season.
FRESHMAN (2019) – Scored twice in the NCAA quarterfinal win over Virginia … Tallied an assist in the NCAA semifinal vs. Boston College … A key cog in the Tar Heel midfield as a freshman …
Won a gold medal with the U19 U.S. Women’s National Team at the 2019 World Lacrosse Women’s U19 World Championship that competed in August alongside classmate Brooklyn Neumen.
HIGH SCHOOL – Played four years of lacrosse, four of basketball and two of soccer at Bel Air High School … Ranked the No. 1 overall incoming freshman and the top incoming midfielder in the nation for the 2019 season by Inside Lacrosse … Under Armour All-America pick in lacrosse for Coach Kristen Barry at Bel Air … 2017 3A-4A Maryland state champion … Four-time first-team all-county selection … Two-time first-team all-state and two-time second-team all-state honoree … Two-year team captain … Also a first-team all-state pick and three-year captain in basketball and a second-team all-state pick in soccer.
PERSONAL – Elizabeth Kate Hillman is the daughter of Rod Hillman … Birthday is December 13 … Born in Baltimore, Md. … Majoring in media and journalism with a focus on advertising and public relations with a minor in conflict management.
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Elizabeth Hillman’s Return is Another Weapon for Carolina
When we last saw North Carolina on a lacrosse field, the Tar Heels were coming off a 20-goal explosion against Northwestern, unbeaten at 7-0, ranked No.
1 in the country and getting ready for a showdown against undefeated Notre Dame.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the NCAA season.
But North Carolina has been anything but shut down in recent months. First, the Tar Heels learned that star Katie Hoeg, who broke the school’s all-time scoring record during the win over Northwestern, would be coming back for another year after the NCAA awarded all 2020 spring sport athletes an additional season of eligibility.
She rejoins four rising seniors who joined her on the final Tewaaraton Watch List for 2020 — emerging star midfielder Scottie Rose Growney, All-American goalie Taylor Moreno, All-American 100-point scorer Jamie Ortega and All-American and U.S. national team defender Emma Trenchard.
More recently, head coach Jenny Levy announced that a pair of All-Americans, Dartmouth’s Katie Bourque and USC’s Kerrigan Miller, both on the final Tewaaraton Watch List as well, would be transferring to Chapel Hill.
The talent doesn’t stop there.
Headlining North Carolina’s incoming freshman class is one of the most heralded recruits in years, attacker Caitlyn Wurzburger. Wurzburger, the leading scorer on the 2019 U.S. U19 team, set the all-time national high school scoring record before her shortened senior year even began, ultimately finishing with a basketball-like total of 1,027 career points.
Pretty loaded, right?
But let’s not forget about another new piece of the puzzle for 2021.
“She really handled the situation with a great sense of leadership and calm. So many times in tough situations, it’s all about what’s happening to you.”
Levy and the Tar Heels are anticipating the return of Elizabeth Hillman, the nation’s No. 1 recruit from the Class of 2018, according to Inside Lacrosse, back to the lineup.
Hillman, a three-sport standout (soccer, basketball, lacrosse) at Bel Air (Md.) High School, played through an elbow injury her freshman season with the Tar Heels. Originally injured in her final high school basketball game, it progressively got worse during the 2019 college season, but she played through the pain.
The do-it-all midfielder finished her freshman year with 12 points, had a pair of goals in UNC’s NCAA quarterfinal victory over Virginia and had a decision to make at the end of the season.
Surgery right away, or wait a few months?
Hillman needed a surgery more common in baseball — Tommy John surgery — but even if she got it done right away, she would likely miss at least two months of the Tar Heels 2020 spring season. She decided to redshirt for 2020, and that made her decision to wait even easier, but there was another big reason.
Hillman had been selected to compete for the 2019 U.S. U19 team, and even with missing some of the training weekends during the lead-up to the world championship in Canada, she was named one of the team captains alongside UMass defender Ally Murphy.
She and 17 of her teammates were on the verge of realizing a dream of representing their country in the sport they love. Roughly a year after they began a tough tryout process, the moment had arrived.
And then in the very last practice before the games began, the unthinkable happened.
“I was in the eight playing defense, my foot got caught and I just went down,” Hillman said. “I immediately thought the worst. I felt super unlucky to have had made it that far after everything with my elbow.”
She thought she had torn her ACL, but found out it was only a partially torn MCL with small tears in her meniscus. The only treatment was rest, something in short supply in a world championship format in which teams play seven games in a little over a week.
“We didn’t really know if she was going to be able to play,” U.S. U19 head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. “She just focused in, was very driven and it was pretty clear that she wanted to figure out a way to play.
“She had big goals for herself, was very patient and did everything she was supposed to do with her rehab.”
As she waited to get back on the field, she never sulked. She put the team ahead of herself.
“She really handled the situation with a great sense of leadership and calm,” Amonte Hiller said.
