June 30, 2009
Albuquerque, N.M.-The University of New Mexico announced that former student athlete Michelle Heidbrink has been named assistant women’s tennis coach. Heidbrink, a Manhattan Beach, Calif. native will be leaving Palm Desert High School in Palm Desert, Calif. where she led the team to an undefeated season in 2009 (22-0).
“I am very excited to have Michelle return to be a part of the Lobos,” head coach Roy Canada said. “In her time since she graduated from UNM she has proven to be an excellent coach. I am extremely confident in her abilities and I strongly believe we will make a great coaching team. She has always been a true Lobo; with her passion for the game and her loyalty to UNM she becomes an essential ingredient to the success of the program.”
Heidbrink earned her bachelors degree in 2005 from New Mexico in Political Science and Philosophy, she also was a four year letterwinner for New Mexico from 2001-2005. Heidbrink still holds a spot on five different records.
During her senior year Heidbrink tied Maja Kovacek for the No.1 spot on the most double wins in a career with 87. (Heidbrink currently holds the No. 3 spot on the list.) Along with that Heidbrink is No. 8 on the most singles wins in a career with 80, No. 8 on the highest career winning percentage with 66.3%, No. 7 on the most combined career wins with 167 and No. 9 for most doubles wins in a single season with 29. Heidbrink received MWC All-Conference singles and doubles awards twice and was twice voted Most Improved Player at New Mexico.
In her most recent achievements Heidbrink, along with leading Palm Desert High School varsity girls to an undefeated season, the team earned Division II CIF Southern Section Champions.
Heidbrink was voted coach of the year in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and has helped establish grassroots tennis programs in the Coachella Valley with the National Junior Tennis League, which is a nonprofit organization.
Heidbrink will start on July 1.