SPOKANE, Wash. — As she’s done hundreds of times in her career, Texas A&M senior center Khaalia Hillsman trotted off the court with the game already decided. This time it was against Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 with just 14 ticks of the clock remaining.
Only this time, it was different. This was the final time Hillsman would leave a collegiate basketball game.
As she stepped off the court, she was overcome with emotion and embraced her head coach Gary Blair one final time.
“It’s just been incredible,” Hillsman said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m getting a first-class education. I formed relationships I’m going to have for the rest of my life. It’s just been really special. I’m just really glad I had this opportunity.”
The opportunity was given to Hillsman after an illustrious high school career at Whitney Young High School, located just outside of Chicago. The high school is known for graduating several celebrities including Michelle Obama, Michael Jordan and Jahlil Okafor.
Hillsman led Whitney Young to Illinois State Championship wins as a sophomore in 2011-12 and as a senior in 2013-14. Hillsman capped her tenure at Young with a monstrous senior season in which she averaged 13.2 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. When the season was over, Hillsman was a five-star recruit and was ranked the third-best post player in the nation by All-Star Girls Report.
However, what attracted Blair was not just what Hillsman could do on the basketball court, but what she could do in the classroom as well.
“She had the balance [of school and sports] coming in,” Blair said. “She was our most gifted ACT score, [and is graduating from the] business school. That’s a lot better than you and I when we graduated.”
Hillsman made an impact on the basketball team from the get-go, seeing action in 31 games her freshman year. She elevated her game in her sophomore season, averaging 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds and starting every game. Hillsman had a breakout season her junior year, averaging 16.4 points and 8.2 rebounds.
Senior forward Jasmine Lumpkin played club basketball in high school with Hillsman and said her strong senior season was due to an increased focus.
“’I’ve just seen her growth and how much better she’s gotten offensively and how mentally locked in she’s been,” Lumpkin said. “It’s been great playing with her and I know she’s going to do great things.”
Although Hillsman ranks ninth in most points scored for A&M, fifth in career rebounds, third in career blocks and second in career double-doubles, Blair said the biggest asset she will bring to a professional team is her heart for others.
“She’s going to be a pro because she’s got a heart,” Blair said. “She cares about her teammates so much. I think that’s what separates her out. She doesn’t have that ‘I’ on her forehead. She cares about those teammates.”
Hillsman demonstrated her care in her postgame press conference, as she didn’t mention a single one of her accomplishments but rather everyone she’s going to miss when she graduates — from her friend of 12 years, Jasmine Lumpkin, to every assistant coach.
“I’m going to cry now. It’s been special, you know,” Hillsmand said. “I’ve been so blessed to be able to play and meet and form so many relationships with these people.”
Hillsman will now begin preparation for the WNBA Draft, which will take place on April 12. The 6-foot-5 center is projected to go undrafted according to Draftsite.com’s latest Mock Draft, but freshman point guard Chennedy Carter has no doubts she will be playing basketball for years to come.
“I’m sad to see her go, but I know that she has a lot of basketball left to be played,” Carter said. “In my opinion, she’s one of the best post players I’ve ever played with.”