Heyne Announces Medical Retirement
Sep 25, 2019 | Volleyball
MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State head volleyball coach Suzie Fritz announced Wednesday that outside hitter Brooke Heyne has medically retired due to injury.
"Brooke is an outstanding teammate and an even better person," Fritz said. "She was an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are grateful for her contributions to our team. She showed up each day to get better and always put the needs of the team before her own. Over the past few months, it has become clear that it is necessary for her to take a medical hardship and focus on her long-term health and well-being after suffering a career-ending knee injury."
"After a long and hard process, it saddens me that my volleyball career is over because the sport has positively impacted my life in so many ways," said Heyne. "Although my career at K-State was cut short, I am so thankful for the opportunities I received. I have the best memories from playing here and have overcome many challenges that will prepare me for the future. I am so grateful for my coaches and teammates who have supported me throughout my transition. K-State volleyball has impacted my growth as a person, and I will be forever thankful that I chose such an inspiring program to play for."
Heyne, who was set to enter her redshirt sophomore season, appeared in 15 matches, recorded 115 kills (2.67 per set) last season and was a two-time Big 12 Rookie of the Week selection. The Omaha, Nebraska, product started the final 11 matches of 2018, reaching 10 or more kills seven times in that span. Heyne tallied a career-best 17 kills in a five-set victory at Kansas.
Additionally, Heyne earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors last season. She came to K-State in 2017 after being named Nebraska Gatorade High School Volleyball Player of the Year while at Skutt Catholic.
Under the terms of medical retirement rules, Heyne is eligible to continue receiving her scholarship through graduation at K-State.
The Wildcats begin their Big 12 schedule Saturday at TCU. First serve against the Horned Frogs is set for 4 p.m., with live audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.
"Brooke is an outstanding teammate and an even better person," Fritz said. "She was an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are grateful for her contributions to our team. She showed up each day to get better and always put the needs of the team before her own. Over the past few months, it has become clear that it is necessary for her to take a medical hardship and focus on her long-term health and well-being after suffering a career-ending knee injury."
"After a long and hard process, it saddens me that my volleyball career is over because the sport has positively impacted my life in so many ways," said Heyne. "Although my career at K-State was cut short, I am so thankful for the opportunities I received. I have the best memories from playing here and have overcome many challenges that will prepare me for the future. I am so grateful for my coaches and teammates who have supported me throughout my transition. K-State volleyball has impacted my growth as a person, and I will be forever thankful that I chose such an inspiring program to play for."
Heyne, who was set to enter her redshirt sophomore season, appeared in 15 matches, recorded 115 kills (2.67 per set) last season and was a two-time Big 12 Rookie of the Week selection. The Omaha, Nebraska, product started the final 11 matches of 2018, reaching 10 or more kills seven times in that span. Heyne tallied a career-best 17 kills in a five-set victory at Kansas.
Additionally, Heyne earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors last season. She came to K-State in 2017 after being named Nebraska Gatorade High School Volleyball Player of the Year while at Skutt Catholic.
Under the terms of medical retirement rules, Heyne is eligible to continue receiving her scholarship through graduation at K-State.
The Wildcats begin their Big 12 schedule Saturday at TCU. First serve against the Horned Frogs is set for 4 p.m., with live audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.
Players Mentioned
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