Heedum Brings Winning Attitude To XU Women's Soccer

Aug. 29, 2011

CINCINNATI -- Xavier women's soccer assistant coach Keri Heedum has a special place in her heart for the Musketeers. That's because she was once a Musketeer herself, having spent four years as a standout defender on the XU women's including the 1998 Atlantic 10 Championship team.

Heedum was a mainstay of the Xavier defense during her time as a Musketeer, starting 73 of her 76 career games played. After serving as a teacher and soccer coach at the high school and youth levels, Heedum made her return to XU in February of 2010 as the new assistant coach under then first-year head coach and former Musketeer Woody Sherwood.

"It was exciting," said Heedum. "Being a teacher for 10 years, I was surprised by how involved this job is but I love it. I loved it when I was here from '95 to '99 and I still love it."

In her daily duties as the assistant coach, Heedum uses her experience as both a teacher and former player to help guide the current crop of Musketeers.

"I think I'm pretty good at relating to the girls," said Heedum. "As I teacher I'd try to talk to the kids on their level and they respect you more. I try to use that with the players and I think they can relate to me too. I know what it's like to have class, and workouts and to deal with that. I also think that it helps that I played for Woody (Sherwood). I can understand how much he cares about the program and I think I can relay that to the girls."

As an assistant coach, Heedum is responsible for much of the daily operation of the women's soccer program. From recruiting to planning road trips and meals, she has a wide range of responsibilities. Sherwood also looks to her for advice during games.

"I think I'm pretty good at watching the game and helping make position changes," said Heedum. "I see who maybe needs a breather or if they need to be repositioned."

Being a part of Xavier's 1998 Atlantic 10 Championship has helped her give a unique perspective. Heedum uses the fact that Xavier has competed on a championship level to help inspire the current Musketeers to try to reach that level again. She hopes to be a part of it when they do.

"I am excited and I hope that I'm here when the team wins its next Atlantic 10 championship," said Heedum. "It would be really cool to know that I contributed now, as a coach, when last time I contributed as a player."

Now heading into her second season on the XU staff, Heedum has noticed a positive change in the program. Last season, the Musketeers finished with a 7-11-0 record, its best since 2006, and this season they are looking to improve even more.

"There was a huge change from the time I got here to now. The culture and commitment from the players has changed and I'm very excited about the season."

For Heedum, Xavier will always be a special place.

"When I played here, we were a family," said Heedum. "I was proud to play for Xavier and I'm proud to be back.

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