Bowling Green senior Hanna Heinze has made a name for herself over four years with the volleyball program, and she etched her name into the history books on Sept. 12 by reaching 1,000 career digs. (Nicholas Huenefeld | Sentinel-Tribune)
By Nicholas Huenefeld
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
Bowling Green senior Hanna Heinze has made a name for herself over four years with the volleyball program, and she etched her name into the history books on Sept. 12 by reaching 1,000 career digs.
“Honestly, it means a lot to me,” Heinze said. “It also meant a lot that my team was there for me the whole way through since my freshman year. And my family was there, supporting me every way.”
Heinze, who has pushed her career total to 1,184 following her team’s five-set win over Whitmer on Thursday, has gradually earned acclaim within the program.
Over her first two seasons sharing time in a reserve role, Heinze accumulated 289 total digs. As a junior, she got to run the show and exploded for 555 digs, or 6.5 per set, for the Bobcats.
“She kind of got her feet wet (in those first two years), but it was her show as a junior,” BG coach Deb Mathias said. “She went out there and did what she needed to do. She just ran the court defensively.”
On the way to her 555 digs as a junior, Heinze totaled double-digits in all but one match, including 18 with at least 20 and three with 30-or-more. She even achieved a career-best 44 digs against Springfield on Oct. 3.
All that helped motivate Heinze.
“Last year really helped me out,” Heinze said. “Getting that many was a huge accomplishment because it made this year a lot easier. It was just easier for me because it helped me realize I can do this. I was 156 away this year, and I knew I had it. I was right there.”
This year, Heinze has 340 digs through 65 sets, which includes double-digit scoops in every match. Including Thursday’s 21-dig performance against Toledo Whitmer, she has at least 20 in five consecutive outings, which gives her 10 such performances on the campaign.
Heinze had a season-best 25 digs in just three sets against Napoleon on Aug. 29 and against Clyde on Sept. 16.
Overall, Heinze has accumulated 51 career outings with double-digit digs, including 29 with at least 20.
“I love that our team is just there for everybody,” Heinze said. “Even if they’re not getting 1,000, they’re just as excited and happy as me.
“This isn’t something I can do by myself. I need blockers out there, I need hitters, I need setters out there. It’s not just a one-person sport, it’s a team sport.
“And that’s what I love about volleyball. You can’t just throw one person out there to win a game, you need a whole team.”
Most importantly, Heinze’s play has helped BGHS get off to a 14-5 start this year, including an 8-4 record in NLL play. They are tied with the 2022 squad for the most single-season wins for the program since the Bobcats won 20 in 2016.
“Our team quote this year is ‘better together,’ and I think that really resembles us,” Heinze said. “We connect, we are all friends, there’s no drama, and we’re one together. Practices are fun, the locker room is fun, and the games are fun. They’re all just my best friends.”
Along with fellow senior Madison Cowan, who recently eclipsed 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in her career, the duo has helped lead the Bobcats to double-digit wins in each of their seasons.
Over the four years prior to their arrival, BGHS won 33 combined matches and didn’t reach double-digit victories in a single season.
“Their impact is huge,” Mathias said. “They are the glue that keeps us together with their leadership, their communication, their relentless pursuit for wins and their competitiveness. They’re just all-around amazing players, kids and captains. I couldn’t have asked for better leaders between the two of them this year.”
Looking forward, Heinze is still contemplating her collegiate options, which potentially includes playing volleyball.
“She’s our heart and soul on defense,” Mathias said. “She’s the workhorse. She works at everything she does and gives 110 percent. She’s a team leader on and off the court. Overall, she’s an awesome kid.”
