.png&type=webp)
University of New Hampshire Athletics
Heeps Hired as WBB Director of Operations/Assistant Coach
8/21/2026 9:50:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Former UAlbany captain, America East Elite 18 award winner joins Wildcats staff
DURHAM, N.H. – UNH women's basketball head coach Megan Shoniker has announced the addition of Grace Heeps to the Wildcats' staff as director of women's basketball operations/assistant coach.
The East Greenbush, N.Y., native brings a unique blend of Division I playing experience, leadership and student-athlete development expertise to the Wildcats. A standout performer at UAlbany from 2020-23, Heeps helped lead the Great Danes to the 2022 NCAA Tournament and the 2023 WNIT while starting 82 of 84 games during her three seasons with the program. A team captain as both a junior and senior, she ranked among conference leaders in assists and minutes played during her senior season and earned the prestigious America East Elite 18 Award in 2022-23.
Heeps also excelled in the classroom throughout her collegiate career, earning CSC Academic All-District honors and graduating summa cum laude from UAlbany with a bachelor's degree in communications and minors in psychology and leadership.
After graduating from UAlbany, Heeps completed her playing career as a graduate student at Canisius in 2023-24, starting all 31 games while finishing tied for the team lead in steals and ranking among the program's single-season leaders in minutes played. She earned a Master of Science in Sport Administration.
"Grace understands what it takes to succeed as a Division I student-athlete because she's lived it," Shoniker said. "She was a captain, a winner, an outstanding student, and someone who consistently earned the respect of her teammates and coaches. Her experience competing at the highest levels of college basketball, combined with her work supporting student-athletes, gives her a perspective that will be incredibly valuable to our program. She will make an immediate impact on our culture, our operations and the development of our student-athletes."
In her role, Heeps will oversee the day-to-day operations of the women's basketball program while also contributing to player development, recruiting efforts, and other aspects of the Wildcats' coaching staff.
Heeps joins the program after serving in academic support roles at UMass, most recently as an academic counselor. She worked closely with student-athletes on academic success, NCAA eligibility and personal development while helping coordinate support services and resources.
Prior to her work in collegiate athletics, Heeps served as director of Havoc Academy youth basketball development, where she organized basketball clinics, practices, and games for girls ages 8-15 while overseeing a staff of coaches. She also worked with Zero Gravity Basketball, supporting tournament operations and event management.
______________________________________________________________________________
UNH women's basketball season tickets and half-season ticket plans are on sale now by visiting CLICKING HERE or by calling 603-862-4000. The Wildcats open the season Monday, Nov. 2, against New England College at Lundholm Gym. Game times and a full promotional calendar will be announced at a later date.
Follow the UNH Women's Basketball Team
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unhwbb/
X - https://x.com/UNHWBB
GoCatsTravel.com
Wherever the Wildcats take you, book your hotel through GoCatsTravel.com. Fans receive rates comparable to those offered by other booking platforms, while 50% of proceeds support UNH Athletics. Select your team, book your stay and support the Wildcats.
The East Greenbush, N.Y., native brings a unique blend of Division I playing experience, leadership and student-athlete development expertise to the Wildcats. A standout performer at UAlbany from 2020-23, Heeps helped lead the Great Danes to the 2022 NCAA Tournament and the 2023 WNIT while starting 82 of 84 games during her three seasons with the program. A team captain as both a junior and senior, she ranked among conference leaders in assists and minutes played during her senior season and earned the prestigious America East Elite 18 Award in 2022-23.
Heeps also excelled in the classroom throughout her collegiate career, earning CSC Academic All-District honors and graduating summa cum laude from UAlbany with a bachelor's degree in communications and minors in psychology and leadership.
After graduating from UAlbany, Heeps completed her playing career as a graduate student at Canisius in 2023-24, starting all 31 games while finishing tied for the team lead in steals and ranking among the program's single-season leaders in minutes played. She earned a Master of Science in Sport Administration.
"Grace understands what it takes to succeed as a Division I student-athlete because she's lived it," Shoniker said. "She was a captain, a winner, an outstanding student, and someone who consistently earned the respect of her teammates and coaches. Her experience competing at the highest levels of college basketball, combined with her work supporting student-athletes, gives her a perspective that will be incredibly valuable to our program. She will make an immediate impact on our culture, our operations and the development of our student-athletes."
In her role, Heeps will oversee the day-to-day operations of the women's basketball program while also contributing to player development, recruiting efforts, and other aspects of the Wildcats' coaching staff.
Heeps joins the program after serving in academic support roles at UMass, most recently as an academic counselor. She worked closely with student-athletes on academic success, NCAA eligibility and personal development while helping coordinate support services and resources.
Prior to her work in collegiate athletics, Heeps served as director of Havoc Academy youth basketball development, where she organized basketball clinics, practices, and games for girls ages 8-15 while overseeing a staff of coaches. She also worked with Zero Gravity Basketball, supporting tournament operations and event management.
______________________________________________________________________________
UNH women's basketball season tickets and half-season ticket plans are on sale now by visiting CLICKING HERE or by calling 603-862-4000. The Wildcats open the season Monday, Nov. 2, against New England College at Lundholm Gym. Game times and a full promotional calendar will be announced at a later date.
Follow the UNH Women's Basketball Team
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unhwbb/
X - https://x.com/UNHWBB
GoCatsTravel.com
Wherever the Wildcats take you, book your hotel through GoCatsTravel.com. Fans receive rates comparable to those offered by other booking platforms, while 50% of proceeds support UNH Athletics. Select your team, book your stay and support the Wildcats.
Saturday, January 05
Saturday, December 29
Friday, December 21
Sunday, December 09