News
Lillian Hammond '05
From the softball fields of GPS to competing in two NCAA National Championships with the Lady Vols, Lillian Hammond ’05 has always been driven by passion and perseverance. After a professional softball career, she transitioned into law enforcement, where she now serves as a detective with the Arlington County Police Department. In this Q&A, Lillian shares how GPS shaped her values, her unexpected path to the police department, and the lifelong friendships that continue to support her today.
Q. Please give a brief overview of your trajectory after GPS and let us know what you are doing now.
A. After graduating from GPS, I attended the University of Tennessee, where I played on the softball team and competed with the Lady Vols in two NCAA National Championships. My senior year, I was drafted to play professional softball in the National Pro Fastpitch league and played for the Philadelphia Force. Although I met many inspirational women and athletes, I knew softball was a stepping stone toward bigger goals. After the season, I pursued a Master’s in Forensic Psychology at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and later became an investigative intern in the Homicide/Robbery Unit of the local police department. I then joined the Arlington County Police Department as an officer, where I've worked in various roles, including patrol officer, community outreach officer, crime scene agent, crisis negotiator, and currently as a detective conducting background investigations for police applicants.
Q. Is your current role something you always knew you were interested in? If not, how did that interest develop?
A. I never wanted to be a police officer. In fact, I wanted to be a Special Agent with the FBI, but through a series of unexpected opportunities and circumstances, I found myself starting my first day as an Arlington County Police recruit only 3 or 4 months after initially accepting the internship. During the internship, I had gotten hands on experience in real-world situations, a deeper understanding of the teamwork, attention to detail, and resources that make an investigation successful, developed my own research, analysis, and problem-solving skills, and most importantly, fell in love with the culture of the agency. The economy wasn’t in great shape and the federal government was not hiring at the time, so I figured I’d give policing a shot for a while. Over time, I realized I was suited for it and found fulfillment in it.
Q. Why are you passionate about what you do?
A. I believe my passion for policing stems from having a strong sense of duty, justice, and service—all of which were nurtured at GPS. Being a student there helped me find my voice and build the confidence to stand up against injustice and hold people accountable for their actions. GPS also taught me the importance of being of service to others in need and that my actions can make a positive impact on the community. As a crisis negotiator, being a calming and supportive presence during someone’s most difficult moments is incredibly fulfilling.
Q. What were you involved in while at GPS?
A. While at GPS, I was actively involved in the athletics program, playing softball, volleyball, and participating in track and field as a middle schooler, before focusing solely on softball and volleyball in upper school. I was part of the Leadership Committee, FCA, Beta Club, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Q. What was your favorite tradition at GPS? Why?
A. Is it lame to say the Honor Code? The Honor Code was the first thing that truly taught me that my integrity is my most valuable asset—and that I am fully and solely responsible for upholding it. The Honor Code not only shaped the character of our entire school community but also empowered us students with a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for our actions and choices. These principles form the foundation of everything I do in my professional life today.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to current GPS students, what would it be?
A. I would tell current GPS students to always stay true to themselves and trust in their own values. The foundation they build at GPS will carry them through life’s many challenges.
Q. Do you stay in touch with your classmates? What impact have they had on your life?
A. Yes, I still have a group chat with three of my closest friends from GPS. Life has taken us all over the country, and now we’re professionals, partners, and parents. But whenever we catch up, it feels like no time has passed. They’ve been a constant source of support for me since we were teenagers. I’m forever grateful for their lifelong friendship.
Q. Can you point to anything that GPS did to prepare you for your future?
A. Without a doubt, I learned everything I needed to know about time management by being a student-athlete at GPS. It was certainly a challenge at first, balancing GPS’s rigorous academic curriculum with high-level sport performance. But over time, I learned how to manage my schedule, stay disciplined, and prioritize my responsibilities. When I became a collegiate athlete, the demands in the classroom and pressure to perform on the field were even greater. I saw many other new collegiate athletes struggle with the transition, but thanks to the skills I developed at GPS, I didn’t just manage—I excelled.
Q. Are there any experiences or memories from your time at GPS that really stick out?
A. I have such happy memories of our senior Winterim trip to Disney World. It was such a carefree time, away from the stress of school. It felt like our last chance to be kids before the responsibilities of college and adulthood set in. We all knew it was our final hurrah before everyone started going their separate ways.
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
A. Even after a nearly 13-year career in law enforcement, I’m still proudest of graduating from the police academy. Becoming a police officer wasn’t something I was sure I could do at first. The experience challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. During the academy, there were times when I doubted myself, questioned if I belonged there, wondered if I had what it took to succeed. By the time I graduated, pinned by badge on my chest for the first time, and took the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, I realized that those struggles only made me stronger and more resilient. I still remember how proud I was of myself at that time. Sometimes the greatest accomplishments come from getting out of your own way and overcoming self-doubt.
Q. Why is Black History Month important to you and why is it important that we acknowledge and honor the month here at GPS?
A. Black History Month is important to me because it offers a dedicated time to collectively and purposefully honor the legacy of those who have fought for equality, justice, and change, while celebrating the contributions, achievements, struggles, and resilience of Black people, both past and present. The impact of Black people has shaped, and continues to shape, every aspect of society.
Honoring Black History Month at GPS is important because it encourages students to recognize the diverse voices and experiences within their own community. This month welcomes an opportunity to learn, engage in tough conversations, build empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of our past and future. I hope the students continue to learn, love, and explore history, because the girls of GPS are the future.
Read more GPS alumnae profiles here.
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Q. Please give a brief overview of your trajectory after GPS and let us know what you are doing now.
A. After graduating from GPS, I attended the University of Tennessee, where I played on the softball team and competed with the Lady Vols in two NCAA National Championships. My senior year, I was drafted to play professional softball in the National Pro Fastpitch league and played for the Philadelphia Force. Although I met many inspirational women and athletes, I knew softball was a stepping stone toward bigger goals. After the season, I pursued a Master’s in Forensic Psychology at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and later became an investigative intern in the Homicide/Robbery Unit of the local police department. I then joined the Arlington County Police Department as an officer, where I've worked in various roles, including patrol officer, community outreach officer, crime scene agent, crisis negotiator, and currently as a detective conducting background investigations for police applicants.
Q. Is your current role something you always knew you were interested in? If not, how did that interest develop?
A. I never wanted to be a police officer. In fact, I wanted to be a Special Agent with the FBI, but through a series of unexpected opportunities and circumstances, I found myself starting my first day as an Arlington County Police recruit only 3 or 4 months after initially accepting the internship. During the internship, I had gotten hands on experience in real-world situations, a deeper understanding of the teamwork, attention to detail, and resources that make an investigation successful, developed my own research, analysis, and problem-solving skills, and most importantly, fell in love with the culture of the agency. The economy wasn’t in great shape and the federal government was not hiring at the time, so I figured I’d give policing a shot for a while. Over time, I realized I was suited for it and found fulfillment in it.
Q. Why are you passionate about what you do?
A. I believe my passion for policing stems from having a strong sense of duty, justice, and service—all of which were nurtured at GPS. Being a student there helped me find my voice and build the confidence to stand up against injustice and hold people accountable for their actions. GPS also taught me the importance of being of service to others in need and that my actions can make a positive impact on the community. As a crisis negotiator, being a calming and supportive presence during someone’s most difficult moments is incredibly fulfilling.
Q. What were you involved in while at GPS?
A. While at GPS, I was actively involved in the athletics program, playing softball, volleyball, and participating in track and field as a middle schooler, before focusing solely on softball and volleyball in upper school. I was part of the Leadership Committee, FCA, Beta Club, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Q. What was your favorite tradition at GPS? Why?
A. Is it lame to say the Honor Code? The Honor Code was the first thing that truly taught me that my integrity is my most valuable asset—and that I am fully and solely responsible for upholding it. The Honor Code not only shaped the character of our entire school community but also empowered us students with a sense of personal responsibility and accountability for our actions and choices. These principles form the foundation of everything I do in my professional life today.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to current GPS students, what would it be?
A. I would tell current GPS students to always stay true to themselves and trust in their own values. The foundation they build at GPS will carry them through life’s many challenges.
Q. Do you stay in touch with your classmates? What impact have they had on your life?
A. Yes, I still have a group chat with three of my closest friends from GPS. Life has taken us all over the country, and now we’re professionals, partners, and parents. But whenever we catch up, it feels like no time has passed. They’ve been a constant source of support for me since we were teenagers. I’m forever grateful for their lifelong friendship.
Q. Can you point to anything that GPS did to prepare you for your future?
A. Without a doubt, I learned everything I needed to know about time management by being a student-athlete at GPS. It was certainly a challenge at first, balancing GPS’s rigorous academic curriculum with high-level sport performance. But over time, I learned how to manage my schedule, stay disciplined, and prioritize my responsibilities. When I became a collegiate athlete, the demands in the classroom and pressure to perform on the field were even greater. I saw many other new collegiate athletes struggle with the transition, but thanks to the skills I developed at GPS, I didn’t just manage—I excelled.
Q. Are there any experiences or memories from your time at GPS that really stick out?
A. I have such happy memories of our senior Winterim trip to Disney World. It was such a carefree time, away from the stress of school. It felt like our last chance to be kids before the responsibilities of college and adulthood set in. We all knew it was our final hurrah before everyone started going their separate ways.
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
A. Even after a nearly 13-year career in law enforcement, I’m still proudest of graduating from the police academy. Becoming a police officer wasn’t something I was sure I could do at first. The experience challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. During the academy, there were times when I doubted myself, questioned if I belonged there, wondered if I had what it took to succeed. By the time I graduated, pinned by badge on my chest for the first time, and took the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, I realized that those struggles only made me stronger and more resilient. I still remember how proud I was of myself at that time. Sometimes the greatest accomplishments come from getting out of your own way and overcoming self-doubt.
Q. Why is Black History Month important to you and why is it important that we acknowledge and honor the month here at GPS?
A. Black History Month is important to me because it offers a dedicated time to collectively and purposefully honor the legacy of those who have fought for equality, justice, and change, while celebrating the contributions, achievements, struggles, and resilience of Black people, both past and present. The impact of Black people has shaped, and continues to shape, every aspect of society.
Honoring Black History Month at GPS is important because it encourages students to recognize the diverse voices and experiences within their own community. This month welcomes an opportunity to learn, engage in tough conversations, build empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of our past and future. I hope the students continue to learn, love, and explore history, because the girls of GPS are the future.
Read more GPS alumnae profiles here.
