Blowing a bubble that sometimes obstructs his view of home plate while coaching at first base, John Heinen has taken notes on every player at bat. For the past eight years, he has handed out orange slices, protein bars, or bananas to anyone needing a snack. Heinen is a coach who prioritizes his players.
Over the years, Heinen has been the glue that has held the softball team together. He has endured the stress of expectations in the 2022 and 2023 seasons as well as a full coaching staff change in 2024. Through thick and thin, Heinen has been a constant for the softball team.
“Heinen has always pushed me to be the best player and person I can be regardless of challenges I may have faced. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support,” senior catcher Paige Johnson shared.
Every past and present player on the Superior softball team, including myself, would agree with what Johnson said. Heinen is the kind of person and coach that will take the extra time in between rounds of front toss to ask how your day was, how your test went in that class you were worried about, and everything in between. He will spend his time outside of practice researching drills to help individual players on skills that they are struggling with. He is the type of person you want in your corner, because he won’t even let you get into that corner. He will continue to push you to the middle, forcing you out of your comfort zone. But he knows where you will thrive, and will push you until you do.
Not only has Heinen dedicated his time to the softball team, but he served as a police officer for the Superior police department before retiring seven years ago. Some people might recognize him as the police officer that threw his coffee all over the ground in middle school to stop a fight. After retiring from the police department, he got a job working in the school district helping food service director Jamie Wilson.
He wasn’t just filling a role; he was weaving himself into the fabric of the community, a quiet force of positive influence.
“He is more than our delivery driver. He is a dependable team player. Whether it’s delivering milk during a product shortage, moving heavy equipment or simply helping us communicate between schools, John is always ready to step in whenever he is needed,” Wilson said.
As the years passed, Heinen became more than just a coach and a helper around the school; he became a symbol of unwavering support and dedication. The bubble he blows used to be a playful distraction, but now represents the lighthearted spirit that brightens even the toughest days. His support goes far beyond wins and losses. It stretches across all areas of his life, from his unfaltering dedication to his players, coworkers, community, to his selflessness when giving his hat and gloves away to a girl that is cold at practice. His commitment to the team and community serves as a shining example of what it truly means to care for others and make a difference in their lives.
