University of Alabama in Huntsville women’s basketball coach Roy Heintz announced he is stepping down from his position on Wednesday afternoon. Heintz resigns from UAH to take a full-time leadership role in the ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison.
"While there is sadness in leaving coaching and leaving the Lady Charger program that I have cared so deeply about, I’m also very excited to answer a calling to be a part of the leadership team and to have this incredible opportunity to help lead our church," Heintz said. "The move will also allow my wife and I to start a marriage ministry we feel led to start, as well as pursue my credentials to become a teaching pastor."
Heintz – named the 2012 Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year – has rebuilt the UAH women’s basketball program in his five years at the helm, compiling a 69-71 record that includes a mark of 54-36 over the past three seasons. The rebuilding process culminated in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons as the team earned the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament berths, and the Lady Chargers captured the GSC tournament title in 2013.
"Roy Heintz is a tremendous human being who did a magnificent job as women’s basketball coach here at UAH," said Charger Director of Athletics Dr. E. J. Brophy. "He took our program to heights few deemed possible five years ago, and for that we will be eternally grateful."
Key components to the team’s success, Heintz has mentored arguably the two best players in program history as honorable mention All-Americans Jasmine Hammon and Jordan Smith became the first players at UAH – and just the seventh and eighth all-time in the GSC – to record 2,000 points in their careers.
With that talented pair leading the way with multiple selections, the Lady Chargers have earned seven All-GSC selections during Heintz’ tenure in Huntsville, and in addition to being named All-American three times, Hammon was also a three-time Daktronics All-Region selection, while Smith garnered all-region status twice along with the All-America nod.
Heintz’ teams have also been terrific off the court, producing more than 40 GSC Academic Honor Roll honorees, and two of his players – Morgan Duncan and Natalie Kelley – earned CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District recognition. The Lady Chargers have also been known for their community outreach during the five-year period, logging thousands of service hours.
"It has been a privilege to serve as women’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and lead a resurgence of women’s basketball," said Heintz. "I’m very proud of the unprecedented success we achieved: to win the school’s first GSC championship, earn two NCAA tournament berths, and record our first NCAA tournament win; to have coached Jasmine Hammon and Jordan Smith, who both earned All-America honors while scoring over 2,000 points each; to have coached true scholar-athletes that combined for over 40 All-Academic honorees in my five seasons; and to fulfill our vision for championship excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in serving our community."
Dr. Brophy announced on Wednesday that a national search for Heintz’ replacement will commence immediately.
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