The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bay hires alum Heldt as coach
Lauren Heldts always wanted to be a head basketball coach.
When the position opened at her alma mater, she jumped at the chance.
Heldts has been named Bay’s new girls basketball coach. She was one of two finalists. Athletic Director Matt Spellman explained why Heldts was hired.
“Throughout the interview process, it was clear to the committee that (Heldt) had a passion for Bay girls basketball and a passion for helping all girls achieve their highest potential both as players and as individuals,” Spellman said in a news release. “She talked about her coaching philosophy and always coaching with purpose, passion, and poise and talked about instilling this in the girls as well. She discussed creating a fun, competitive environment where all girls feel like they are a part of the program no matter what their role.”
Heldts was an assistant coach for Courtland Rojeck’s Westlake’s girls basketball team that finished as the Great Lakes Conference runner-up. She was also an assistant for Rocky River’s Division II state semifinalist girls soccer team. With that experience, she plans to use their winning culture to build her team.
“(Rocky River soccer and Westlake basketball) had experienced personnel in terms of coaching, who not only know a lot
about individual games, but the girls (as well),” she said. “I think (Rocky River’s coach) Patrick Hopkins and Rojeck do great jobs at making relationships important with the girls, making sure that they girls know that they care about them. They know (their) games really well.” Patrick is a great soccer mind and (Rojeck) is a great basketball mind.”
“Having worked with coaching Heldt the last two years, Rocjek said it was evident she is a rising star in the coaching ranks and ready to take the next step in her career.
“We are excited for coach Lauren Heldt to be named the next head coach of the Bay high school girls basketball program,” Rojeck said on Twitter. “Coach Heldt did an outstanding job the last two years as a member of our coaching staff at Westlake High School. Her energy, passion for the game and leadership qualities she brings every day will have a positive impact on the court, off the court and in the Bay Village community.”
Heldt is a teacher at the Rocky River Middle School and will continue to do so along with coaching in the Pirates’ girls soccer program.
Originating from the Bay Village City School District as a 10-time letterwinner and three-time captain in softball, basketball and soccer, she knows what it’s like to be in their shoes and thinks it will help connect with the players.
“I am excited,” she said. “I think that it is kind of unique to provide an experienced perspective with the girls. I have actually have been in your exact shoes. I have experienced this program and what it could be. Let’s make it happen.”
While she was growing up, Heldt looked up to the 2003-04 Bay team that was a Division II regional finalist and it had a lasting effect ever since.
“(Watching the 2003-04 Bay team) fueled my passion to be like them,” she said. “I think we will definitely see that passion boil over now being the head coach (of Bay). I want that program to reach that same level of success.
Under former coach John Curran, Bay went 15-10 (4-7 in the GLC-West). The Rockets were also district semifinalists before falling to Laurel.