LSU Alumni Geaux Getter:  Siedda Hines

From the Track to Real Estate Finance 

When former NCAA Track & Field Champion Siedda Hines (2013 BACH HS&E) graduated from LSU, she didn’t expect to work in real estate finance, but LSU gave her the tools to adapt and pursue her professional career with both competence and confidence.

Championship Success at LSU 

Hines competed on the 4x400 relay team throughout her collegiate career. She was part of the LSU Lady Tigers Indoor Track & Field championship team in 2012 — her junior year — and was also an SEC Champion, three-time All-American, and received three-time SEC Academic Honors. She swept both the SEC and NCAA championships in Outdoor Track & Field in 2012 and was instrumental in the team’s success.

“I will carry [that moment] with me forever. The experience, while awe-inspiring in my victory, was much more about the discipline that got me there in the first place."

 Learning Excellence Through the LSU Environment

As a student athlete, there was a daily grind, balancing early morning workouts and school. Hines said she felt like she was constantly juggling study hall and training sessions, but it was worth it for her own developmental growth.

“[LSU] put me in an environment that demanded excellence, from academics to athletics to personal growth,” Hines said. “I knew LSU would challenge me, and that’s exactly what I needed!”

Originally from the Greater Baton Rouge area, Hines said LSU felt like home even before she set foot on campus. It not only allowed her to receive an excellent education, but also to compete in the highest level of her sport — Track and Field.

As part of a relay squad, Hines had to show up consistently, lest she risk letting down the squad and overall team. So even when it was hard, she did all she could to be there for those who relied on her. That mindset has stayed with her even after her athletic career ended and she shifted into her professional career.

Creating Opportunities Through Real Estate 

Over the past seven years, Hines has worked in real estate finance as a mortgage loan officer with GMFS Mortgage. Hines said she is part of the Larussa Team, which has financed over $100 million in sales during her time there.

She is also stepping into real estate development, where she has the opportunity to build homes, then turn around to finance them for first-time homebuyers.  By doing this, she is living up to her lifelong model: "Where there's no opportunity, create one!."

Serving the Baton Rouge Community

Beyond professional endeavors, she also serves in her local Baton Rouge community. She is involved with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Metropolitan Baton Rouge and is a member of the board of directors for Membership Recruitment for the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce.

Hines said she serves her community because of the lessons she learned at LSU with the Track & Field team, realizing that winning is a team effort. She does all she can to open doors for others.

Hines said LSU was much more than just the flagship University of Louisiana, but rather an extensive lifelong network of alumni creating opportunities long after leaving campus. 

“Many people don't realize how powerful the relationships you can form with your fellow alumni can be. There’s also a culture of resilience at LSU. It teaches you how to compete, adapt, and lead in any environment."