September 13, 2007
(release courtesy of Jon Denham, Loras College sports information director)

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . Loras College President Jim Collins and Interim Director of Athletics Jane Specht have tabbed Justin Heinzen as the head coach of the women’s basketball team for 2007-2008. He will coach the team on an interim basis during the upcoming season. Justin began his time with Loras College on August 1, 2007 when he was named assistant coach and will replace Shauna Green who has stepped down to take a position at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.

Heinzen, a native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, came to Dubuque from Lakeland College (Sheboygan, Wis.) where he was an assistant coach for two seasons with the Muskies. In his first year, the Muskies claimed both the regular season and Lake Michigan Conference tournament championships, and participated in the NCAA Division III national tournament. His duties there included scouting, player development, and recruiting coordinator. With the Muskies, Justin helped compile a 40-19 record and coached four All-Conference players and one All-Rookie Team member. Prior to joining Lakeland, he assisted at UW-Manitowoc and was part of the staff that led the Blue Devils to WJCAA Regional and State Championships. Justin earned his degree in American History from Wisconsin Lutheran in Milwaukee in 2004.

Shortly after his interim promotion Heinzen expressed his thoughts to Loras College Sports Information Director Jon Denham.

“I’m very excited to inherit a team with so much recent success and overall talent. It is a chance to jump into a situation and a program that is definitely on the rise due to the job Coach Green has done the last couple of years! I fully intend to make this a smooth transition for the student-athletes and give this team, and especially our seniors, a successful season. I am confident that the resources are in place to do just that. I have never been so anxious for that first day of practice. This is just a great group on the court and in the classroom. The focus of Loras College Women’s Basketball will still be developing mature and successful student-athletes.”

Loras College went 17-10 last season and finished second in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in both the regular season and IIAC Tournament.

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