32-Year Vet Walks Away as Winningest Coach in School History

BRIDGEWATER, Va. --- The most victorious coach in Bridgewater College history has announced she will step down from coaching and return to full-time teaching after 32 years at the helm of the College's volleyball program.

Mary Frances Heishman is a professor of health and exercise science who came to BC in 1970 as head lacrosse and assistant basketball coach. At the instigation of students, she started the volleyball program in 1975 and, in 1976, the program became a varsity sport for Bridgewater. Since then, Heishman has molded the program into one of the most respected teams in Division III.

"My favorite thing about coaching is seeing players succeed," said Heishman. "The best part is the thrill of victory after a hard-fought match, but I also enjoy seeing the players succeed in their lives after college. It's exciting to see former players as coaches, athletic directors and guidance counselors, and see the things they are accomplishing."

Heishman finishes her career with 653 wins and 270 losses. Entering this past season she ranked No. 5 in total victories among active Division III coaches.

"I feel very fortunate to have worked with the quality of athletes that I have," Heishman said. "People will mention the 653 wins and what an accomplishment that is, but that was earned by my players."

The Eagles won their first of five Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) championships under Heishman's guidance in 1988 when the team finished with a 33-2 overall record. That squad made the program's first-ever National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament appearance and earned Heishman the South Region Coach of the Year honor.

Bridgewater also won ODAC titles in 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2000. The Eagles made two more NCAA appearances during the 1989 and 2000 seasons.

Heishman was named ODAC Coach of the Year seven times (1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1996, 2007). She coached seven players who received the ODAC Player of the Year award and 37 players who received All-ODAC first team honors.

Heishman saved one of her best seasons for last as the 2007 team became just the second group in BC volleyball history to reach the 30-win mark, finishing with a 31-2 record. The Eagles were undefeated in conference play during the regular season.

Heishman is a native of Montezuma, Va.