Two-Sport Star Jake Hilmer

“So far, I think it’s worked out just fine”

One advantage of growing up in a smalltown or going to a small high school is the opportunity to play multiple sports. It is a sort of badge of honor to be part of a smaller community and wear your school’s colors year-round, maybe even letter in more than one sport. Small town seniors often get to be on varsity as an almost unwritten rule. However, most athletes don’t stand out as elite players in multiple sports, let alone rewrite state record books in different sports.

There are lots of great Moonlight stories about baseball players or basketball players on the podcast, but there aren’t too many guys who can play both like this week’s guest, Jake Hilmer. Growing up in small-town Walker, IA, and attending North Linn High School, Hilmer was a do-it-all guy for the Lynx. While many top-level high school athletes have to make a choice and focus on a single sport, Hilmer didn’t. Now as an Upper Iowa Peacock, he continues to pursue his passion on both the diamond and the hardwood. Jake Hilmer is a one of a kind athlete that just happens to play two sports.

Recruiters knew from the beginning that Hilmer was an elite talent, but initially, baseball coaches had the impression that he would be playing hoops in college. However, Hilmer didn’t really pursue the showcase camps or Perfect Game opportunities because he wanted to continue to play both. Instead of regretting not focusing on one sport to try to play at the DI level, Hilmer is certain that if he were to give up one sport he would be missing out on way too much. 

Coming out of high school, Hilmer was on one of the highest level AAU teams and traveled to play top-level competition in addition to being named Co-Mr. Basketball for Iowa. Hilmer has the state record for both steals and assists. Jake considers baseball to be his best sport though, and his statistics on the diamond might stand out even more than his basketball numbers. Hilmer has the modern era wins record, the Iowa record for hits and runs, set a national hit record, and threw a perfect game. Hilmer led his team to a runner up finish at the state tournament in his senior season. He basically went straight from Principal Park to basketball practice in Fayette to get ready for his next season.

Hilmer felt he was ready for the transition to college athletics. Though his freshman year was cut short by COVID, Hilmer had an outstanding season in the gym earning honorable mention all-conference honors and starting all 30 games. And while he went through some self-described struggles in his first few games, he appreciated his coaches sticking with him and trusting that he would find his groove. And find it he did. He averaged more than 12 points and 4.5 assists per game. His baseball season was also off to a solid start, including a home run in his first game. In his two pitching appearances for the Peacocks, he had 17 strikeouts against two walks in 11.2 innings. Hilmer also played the outfield as the season was getting started and was batting .400. He feels that playing at the DII level allows him to have some more control over his training and getting his body ready for each season. He is really excited to see where he can take his talent and training with the support of his coaches and teammates at UIU.

“I’ve never been a part of a dogpile”

Of everything that Jake Hilmer has achieved in sports, the state basketball championship his team won during his senior year is his most favorite accomplishment. Unlike many of his individual accomplishments, that state title is something he can share. The names of his teammates and his dad (North Linn’s head coach) are forever etched next to his with that 2019 title. Far from being done, there will certainly be more accomplishments but winning that game sticks out. Championship games lost, individual plate appearances or certain games do stick out to him, but Hilmer has a maturity that isn’t common in a true sophomore. Part of that he credits to playing for his dad and coming from a family of coaches and athletes. Competing against his brothers and friends growing up has helped shape him as a competitor. 

This interview covers everything from fighting with brothers to MJ vs. Lebron. Spoiler alert, though he is a two-sport athlete himself, Hilmer picks Lebron over MJ which Tim refuses to accept. After his playing days, Jake Hilmer sees himself moving to Washington, DC. and while isn’t eligible to run until 2036, I think it is safe to say that he will have the Moonlight team’s vote.

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