Rochester, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced Mitch Hildebrandt as an inductee into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor as a part of the class of 2025.

A native of Livonia, Michigan, Hildebrandt was a match made in heaven when he arrived at Oakland in 2007, stepping in as the next goalkeeper in a program known for high-level play at that position.

"I came to Oakland largely because of the coaching staff and their ability to foster great goalkeepers… There is a great line of keepers that have come out of OU," said Hildenbrandt.

Over his career at Oakland, Hildebrandt dominated in goal, amassing 94 saves in each of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, ending his career with 249 career saves, the fifth most in program history.

The legendary keeper stacked accolades as a Golden Grizzly, earning Summit League Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, All-Summit League First Team twice (2009, 2010) and All-Summit League Second Team in 2011.

An ultra competitor, Hildebrandt used a 'me vs everybody' as a motivator, always giving 110% on and off the pitch.

"The thing that helped me reach the next level is that I was always in competition. There were always competitions with Steve (Clark). I was in competition with every other goalkeeper in college. I learned to take extrinsic motivators and turn them inside. I learned to not let anyone outwork me, still to this day. Everything is a competition," said Hildebrandt.

He became a true leader of a team that won three Summit League Regular Season Titles, three Summit League Tournament Titles, and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2-1 win over Michigan State.

"I strived to be a leader in the classroom and in life as a role model," said Hildebrandt. "I was able to enhance my physical and leadership skills and be captain of the defense and the team."

Hildebrandt continued his athletic career beyond his time at Oakland, signing to the USL squad Cincinnati FC in 2015, making 68 appearances and earning the USL Goalkeeper of the Year Award in 2016. He then would move up in the ranks, reaching the MLS to play for Atlanta United, combining for eight years of professional play, before moving into coaching in 2019, fulfilling different coaching roles throughout the professional level.

Hildebrandt credits Oakland with changing his life. The place where he refined his competitive fire, and met his now wife.

"I owe so much to Oakland. My favorite memory was the day I saw my wife for the first time, and the rest is history. We've been together for over 15 years, married for nine. She's been with me through everything, three different clubs and through my career and just the lifestyle that comes with being in pro," said Hildebrandt. "I want to say thank you to OU. Thank you to all my teammates thru my 4 and a half years. Everyone I've played with and their friendship and dedication."

Hildebrandt will be honored at the 2025 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Feb 8., 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.

Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased HERE.