When Hilary Howard agreed to play basketball for Julie van Beek's infantile women's basketball program at Trevecca, she set the tone in many ways for the young coach and program. Howard had continued to hone her basketball skills for two years at Volunteer State Community College and became an instant go-to scorer for the Trojans. The soon-to-be first all-conference player in program history also provided a level of credibility that helped coach Van Beek recruit other talented players to the program.
Howard produced numerous highlights in her brief TNU career. One statistical highlight that stands out is her 169 made three-point baskets is impressive. Especially when one considers that she made 169 in only two seasons and only 61 games. She is tied with Mariska Reed and only three behind Jennifer Wilson, both of which were four- year starters for the Trojans.
Howard, now Hilary Howard Montgomery, is still ranked in several career categories, including second in made three-point baskets (169), second in three-point field goal percentage (40.2%), fourth in scoring average (13.87), and ninth in field goal percentage (44.8%).
In her first season (1997-1998) the junior was named the TranSouth Newcomer of the Year and was All-TranSouth. She averaged 14.8 points per game and scored 430 points. As a senior she continued the pace with by averaging 13 points per game. She set the school record with a 34-point performance in a single game while compiling 416 points during the season. Howard was selected as an All-TranSouth and a TranSouth Scholar Athlete.
The two-time all-conference performer still holds three Trevecca records: made field goals in a game (13), made three-point field goals in a season (88), and attempted three-point field goals in a season (225). Upon graduation she held five game, nine season, and eight career records.
For her career she averaged 13.9 point per game while shooting 44.8% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range, and 87.9% from the foul line. She scored 846 career points and had 126 career assists.
Hilary lives with her husband of nine years, Greg, and their three-year-old son, Conner, in Thompson Station, Tenn. Her sister, Lindsey, was a All-Region XI performer on the Trevecca softball team.
