The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Hillmon is top female athlete at Cleveland Sports Awards
Naz Hillmon is a busy student-athlete at the University of Michigan — especially in-season — but the Gilmour graduate wasn’t about to miss the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Jan. 22.
That’s because the Michigan sophomore took home a big honor at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, where she won the Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year award.
Presenting the award to Hillmon were former Cavaliers players Daniel “Boobie” Gibson and Mark Price and former Cavs coach Mike Fratello. Hillman knows sports history in Cleveland — especially basketball — so her moment on stage was special.
“I know how many great athletes come out of the Cleveland area,” said Hillmon.
“Growing up watching so many Cleveland sports (teams), so many athletes, just knowing the company that I keep, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Michigan women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico had originally scheduled an off-day on Jan. 23 for her squad but moved that off-day to Jan. 22 to accommodate Hillmon’s return to Northeast Ohio.
“Coach helped me out with that,” she said.
Hillman is a sophomore this season for the Wolverines and is averaging 15.6 points and 8.4 rebounds. Last season, she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, when she scored 13 points per game and pulled down seven rebounds. Despite her improved stats this season, Hillmon said it hasn’t been easier from a year ago.
“It definitely is a lot of tougher for me this year because teams have a game plan for me,” she said.
Other award winners on Jan. 22 include:
• The Dolan family and Indians ownership group won the Liftetime Achievement award.
• Bay soccer player Kyle Cusimano won the Male High School Athlete of the Year Award.
• Strongsville softball player Kirsten Eppele won the Female High School Athlete of the Year award.
• Mount Union wrestler and Division III national champion Jordin James of Bedford won the Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year award.
“Growing up watching so many Cleveland sports (teams), so many athletes, just knowing the company that I keep, it’s an amazing opportunity.” — 2020 Greater Cleveland Female Athlete of the Year Naz Hillmon