Winning a championship is never easy. It takes hard work, dedication, faith and the will to win. When it comes to reaching one’s goals, these qualities go a long way. Hallie Heidemann and the Ashland Eagles women’s basketball are living proof.
Heidemann was a member of the 2022-23 Eagles. She was their second leading scorer, as she averaged 12.5 points (a career best). Annie Roshak was the leading scorer with 14.6 points. Heidemann also averaged 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assist, 1.8 steals and shot an exceptional 49.5 percent from 3-point range.
“Ever since I started playing basketball, people called me a shooter,” She said.
She also made history in the season. Coming into the 2022-23 season, she was second all-time in career 3-point field goals. She had 262 3-pointers at that time. By the end of the season, she took over first place. She finished the season with 105 3-pointers, and took over the top spot with a total of 367 3-pointers. She also is second in highest 3-point field goal percentage with a career percentage of 46.1.
“It’s humbling. Just thinking of the great amount of players that I got to play with. There’s no way that I hold that record without the players that I got to play with and the coaches who coached,”
While speaking, she took a moment to reflect.
“Also just thinking about the gifts and the talent that the Lord gave me, and the opportunity to play at Ashland and use that gift of shooting well and continue to grow in it during my time there.”
Heidemann was a key player in the Eagles’ successful season. She played well, helped the team, and while mentioning she does not like the spotlight, she explained why.
“I think that comes with my Lord and Savior being Jesus Christ, and I want to point everything to him. And also having been on so many great teams, all throughout childhood growing up and playing sports and especially at Ashland. So, I love the opportunity to honor and uplift and put spotlights on my teammates.”
The Ashland Eagles won the 2022-23 Division II (DII) national championship. They did so by defeating the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 78-67. Their journey in the tournament included an 81-72 win over the UT Tyler Patriots, and a 76-67 win over the Glenville State Pioneers in the Final Four.
“Sometimes it’s still surreal, thinking about it. We really went 37-0 and won the national championship. That is really cool and really hard to do. Winning is really hard.” Heidemann said.
When it came to the championship game, Heidemann remembered the atmosphere.
“It was incredible. We were playing in the Mavericks arena. The whole atmosphere getting down to Dallas, leading up to it, police escort on national championship game day, and finally come game time we had a lot of prep for Minnesota Duluth. They were a great team.”
Heidemann remembered the game being close in the beginning, and Duluth had Brooke Olson (the DII Academic All-America Player of the Year). Olson got in foul trouble and the Eagles took advantage of the opportunity. They took home the win (giving the school their third championship) and came back to campus to fanfare.
“We have the best fans in the country.” Heidemann said.
The Eagles had a stellar season, as they managed to go undefeated. They finished the season 37-0. In the previous season, they were 29-3. The 2021-22 season was a success (even with losing to the Walsh University Cavaliers in the NCAA Regionals) , but as the 22-23 season came, Ashland kept their vision in mind.
“Our program and vision statement is Ashland women’s basketball is on a relentless pursuit to be the best Division II basketball team in the country. And to make a positive impact on all those who cross our path. So that was the vision, that was the goal going into the season. And that’s something we set out to accomplish every season.” Heidemann said.
They achieved that goal with six new players, four of which were transfers.
“The goal and the vision were the same. Our core values were the same and the foundation was the same. So, having that culture in place helps new people get adjusted and for upperclassmen to help them into the program because of that.”
Women’s college basketball’s popularity has grown this year. The Division I championship game had a record amount of viewers, and the Division II tournament (and Ashland’s win) shows the direction women’s college basketball (and women’s sports in general are going). People are taking notice, and the sky’s the limit for its growth in popularity.
“They’re inspiring,” Linda Renwand, a women’s college basketball fan and statistician at a local high school said of Ashland. “It’s great to see a program do so well and being so influential. Young girls who are athletes can see what’s possible.”
“I am glad to see women’s sports getting the recognition it deserves. There are excellent players achieving great things.” Agenda Bonner said.
“You want to see women’s sports being promoted. So I think it’s great.” Marshall Hastings said.
To say the Ashland Eagles were successful in the 22-23 season is almost an understatement. They achieved an impressive feat and added to their school’s legacy. Heidemann, whose love for basketball goes back to watching her brothers play and being on a team as soon as second grade, is on to the next step in her journey. Her undergrad years revolved around being an Intervention Specialist K-12, and in her time as a graduate student, she studied for a Master’s in Christian Ministry. She wanted to do something she was passionate about and now it is about seeing what is next.
“Proverbs 3:5-6 is the first thing that comes to mind. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
