WPIAL Alum Q&A – Angela Heintz

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 | 1:07 AM

In the 2011-12 season, the Seton-La Salle girls basketball team achieved history, as the Lady Rebels went undefeated en route to the WPIAL and PIAA championships. While several players and coaches contributed to reach those accomplishments, arguably nobody was more important than Angela Heintz. Heintz, who now excels for Mercyhurst University, is this week’s feature for the WPIAL Alum Q&A. 

Heintz was a junior in 2011-12 when the Rebels recorded those accolades, and individually, she was recognized as an All-State performer that campaign, as she averaged more than 14 points per contest. In the PIAA title game against York Catholic, she notched a team-best 18 points and five assists. 

During her accomplished career with the Rebels, she was a four-year starter and two-time captain. She also won another WPIAL Championship in 2011 against Jeannette, and concluded her career as the Rebels’ all-time assist leader. She was a four-year starter on the Seton-La Salle volleyball squad, and participated in lacrosse, as well.

After graduation, Heintz matriculated to Duquesne University, where she played in a reserve role for the Dukes as a freshman. She appeared in 19 games, netting 2.5 points and 1 assist per game.

Following the 2013-14 campaign, however, Heintz transferred to Mercyhurst. In her first year with the Lakers, Heintz finished third on the team in scoring, despite starting in just three contests.

This year, Heintz has continued to progress, as she has averaged nearly 14 points and more than six rebounds. Her passing ability again has come to the forefront, as well, as the junior has dished out 123 assists through her first 27 games. Overall, the Lakers are just under .500 with a mark of 13-14, but they sport a winning record in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play, at 11-10.

Angela set aside time to answer a bevy of questions, and she revealed the reasons for her recent success at Mercyhurst, her impression of her time at Duquesne, and what she would take with her if she was stranded on a deserted island.

Q: Your offensive numbers have increased considerably this year, especially in scoring and assists. What has been the biggest reason for improvement in your junior campaign?

A: I would have to attribute my increase in offensive production to my change in confidence. Being a junior, I now have two years of practicing at the collage level under my belt. I have worked extremely hard and put in many hours developing my offensive game and now am getting the chance to put my work to the test. Every time I step on the court, I challenge myself to be better than whoever it is that has to guard me.

Q: You had a three-game stretch this season where you accumulated 28 assists. What is the key to that facet of your game?

A: I love making that extra pass to an open teammate even more than I love to score myself. Being able to make that connection is one of my favorite parts of the game. I like to believe that I have a good court vision that I tell my teammates “if you’re gonna get open for me, I’m gonna find you.” Plus having a post with some of the best hands in the PSAC (Natalie Piaggesi) it makes it easy. I throw the ball up in the general vicinity and she’s gonna come up with it and score.  

Q: What were your individual and team goals heading into the season?

A: Individually, I wanted to go into this season and not waste a single moment. I wanted to give everything I have and play each game like it could be my last. If you play like that then you can’t have any regrets. As for team goals going into this year, we wanted to improve our overall record from the season before and show that we can hang with the top teams in the PSAC.

Q: What were the main factors in you deciding on Mercyhurst to continue your academic and athletic careers?

A: Mercyhurst has a great Sports Medicine program with amazing professors who work extremely well with the chaotic schedules of athletes. Being a student athlete is difficult but they make it a possible feat. Also, I get to play with one of my favorite teammates and best friends, Natalie Piaggesi. We’ve played together since fifth grade. We were the dynamic duo back in high school, and we get to carry over that chemistry to the collegiate level.  

Q: Following high school, you played for one year at Duquesne. How would you describe your experience there?

A: It was an incredible experience. The places I got to travel and the people I got to meet along the way are things I will never forget. You would play in HUGE arenas you would dream about playing in as a kid. It was a dream come true. My goal as a young girl was to make it to the Division I level and play in places like that, and I got there. But, then, I had to accept that transferring was the best decision at the time for me and my future. Duquesne will always be a part of me.

Q: You were a major component of a historically successful team at Seton-La Salle in 2011-12. What was it like playing on that team?

A: It was my family. I never met a group of girls that came together to accomplish one common goal better than that team. There was such a passion for the game and a desire to prove everyone wrong that nothing could get in our way. Everyone sacrificed personal glory for overall success and played the role that was needed of them.  We played for one of my favorite coaches of all times (Dennis Squeglia), who taught us all what hard work, dedication, and love of the game really meant. He always pushed us to be our best in everything that we did: basketball, school, and family. He accepted nothing but the best and helped us to reach that perfect season.

Q: Aside from winning the WPIAL and PIAA titles, what was your top memory from high school?

A: Winning most athletic, social butterfly, most likely to make you laugh and most school spirit in the yearbook.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: Sports Medicine with a concentration in Physical Therapy.  Future profession: physical therapist either working with athletes or children.

Q: During the basketball season, how have you been able to juggle your time between classwork, athletics and social life?

A: Most of the time during season there is hardly any time to eat or sleep, none the less socialize. But luckily for me, my teammates are my best friends. We are together all the time laughing and having a great time, which makes things a little easier. Plus some of my teammates are in my major, so we struggle together through the tougher courses.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete or celebrity?

A: Steph Curry, 100 percent. He is amazing to watch and is the reason why I love basketball. He is incredible.

Q: What is the best song to listen to before a game?

A: Any song. I love allllll kinds of music, so whatever comes on shuffle.

Q: Do you use social media, and if so, which is your favorite?

A: My favorite is definitely Snapchat. You can always catch me taking selfies or sending funny videos to my friends.

Q: What is the biggest difference between Erie and Pittsburgh?

A: THE SNOW. My first winter here I didn’t even know what Erie looked like cause it was under three feet of snow.

Q: If you were stranded on an island and could take only three items, what would they be?

A: 1. A basketball; 2. My longboard; 3. Can I bring my mom? I’m such a momma’s girl, and I think she would love an island getaway.