SARA HILLIARD TABBED AS AVILA WOMEN’S WRESTLING COACH

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Avila University has announced today the hiring of Sara Hilliard as the school’s new women’s wrestling head coach.

“One thing that stood out while spending time with Sara was her experience as a collegiate wrestler and a wrestler who has experienced success,” said Avila Director of Athletics Shawn Summe. “Sara has a desire to see our young women experience success in all aspects of life, not just on the mat. She has a diverse background that will help our student-athletes in a holistic way. We are excited to have Sara join our Avila Athletics family and help us grow!"

“I could not be more excited to lead the women’s wrestling program at Avila,” Hilliard stated. “I want to thank Shawn Summe, Alexandra Adams and President Burkee for this opportunity. We are on the ground floor of Avila wrestling and I cannot wait to guide the program as it continues to grow.”

Hilliard comes to Avila with an extensive wrestling background, most recently having spent the 2023-24 season as an assistant at Avila.

Currently, Hilliard is an assistant for Team Missouri Women’s National Team, and Raytown South High School, a position she has held since 2019. Hilliard has her Bronze and Teal certifications with USA Wrestling.

Prior to her time with the Eagles, Hilliard was an assistant coach at Staley High School, making her one of the first female high school wrestling coaches in the state of Missouri.

As a collegiate wrestler herself, Hilliard was a three-time All-American at Missouri Valley College and Oklahoma City University. She was a 2008 Olympic Trials qualifier, a two-time World Team Trials qualifier and the runner-up at the 2008 Senior Nationals.

Hilliard received her Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas.