Hildebrand's Competitive Force Ignites 49ers
by Kim Oswell, Daily 49er
January 31, 2006 Competition and inspiration run thick through men's volleyball player Tyler Hildebrand. The Long Beach State men's volleyball team is 8-1 overall and 4-1 in MPSF and ranks No. 3 in the nation, largely due to the talented play by Hildebrand.
The 6-foot-4 senior setter is majoring in psychology, but knows volleyball will always be a part of his life.
" It is fun to compete at a high level with my best friends," Hildebrand said. "After graduation I want to continue to play, maybe overseas, and then coach volleyball."
Hildebrand was born and raised in Mesa, Az. with his older sister and supportive parents.
" My parents never miss a game," Hildebrand said. "They fly out for every one."
Hildebrand graduated from Red Mountain High School where he lettered in four sports: basketball, golf, volleyball and baseball.
Since being at LBSU, he has been awarded 2003 MPSF Freshman of the Year, 2003 AVCA Newcomer of the Year, 2004 First Team All-America, 2004 First Team All-MPSF, 2005 First Team All-America and 2005 First Team All-MPSF.
The pressures of playing a college sport can consume an athlete's free time, but Hildebrand enjoys relaxing with his friends and playing videos games in his off-campus apartment with fellow teammate Robert Tarr.
Volleyball is Hildebrand's No. 1 focus, but he enjoys basketball and football and likes the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals.
The men's volleyball season has been impressive so far because of the competetiveness of the players.
" We've yet to beat a team that was comparable to us," Hildebrand said. "Our losses were very close games. I like competing at a Division I level and playing as hard as I can everyday."
Hildebrand ranks No. 3 all-time with 5,435 career assists at LBSU.
" My motivation is to win a national championship," Hildebrand said. "There is nothing else I would rather be doing. I'm always trying to compete." The men play UC Santa Barbara today in The Walter Pyramid at 7:30 p.m. |
