WHS grad Heanssler shines on, off field at University of North Carolina Wilmington

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Hannah Heanssler was a three-sport athlete for all four years of her high school career, playing field hockey, swimming and softball. She is currently a sophomore playing field hockey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she’s majoring in exercise science/physical therapy with plans to get her doctorate in physical therapy and work in an outpatient clinic with athletes and the public.

University of North Carolina
Wilmington sophomore Hannah
Heanssler, a Windham High 
graduate, moves the ball closer to
the goal during a college field
hockey game on Oct. 30, 2024.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA SMOOT 

UNCW does not have a collegiate field hockey team, but Heanssler plays club field hockey, associated with UNCW. Her team is part of the National Field Hockey League. They’ve qualified for Nationals twice and recently won their regional championship. They went undefeated (4-0) then placed fourth going into elimination at Virginia Beach, Virginia on Sunday, April 13. They lost to James Madison University in shootouts. Heanssler scored seven goals during the tournament.

“Getting to play teams from all around the country at such a high level is a dream come true,” said Heanssler. “Playing for UNCW has been everything I hoped to get out of playing field hockey at a higher level, and I am having so much fun. Playing for Windham helped me develop many skills in the sport that I use in my college games.”

Windham varsity coach Cory DiDonato was Heanssler’s sixth-grade teacher and encouraged her to try field hockey. Heanssler was hesitant but took a leap of faith and fell in love with the sport immediately. She says she’s forever grateful for DiDonato’s guidance and motivation.

“She has been one of my biggest role models and mentors in my athletic career and I am so grateful to have played for her,” said Heanssler. “Coach D taught me leadership, confidence, and how to truly push myself to become the best I can. Playing for Windham improved my game in so many ways. It taught me how to be a leader both on and off the field.”

Heanssler has made an impression on her team and will be the president of UNCW club field hockey starting in the fall. Playing field hockey always puts a smile on her face; everything about the game brings joy to her life, which has played a big part in why she’s stuck with it.

“Hannah has been a huge asset to our team ever since she got to UNCW,” said UNCW club field hockey coach Ashley Leverrett. “It’s really been her ability to lift up her teammates that has made a lasting impact on our culture. Her voice carries strong whether it’s during a game or practice, and she’s always looking for ways to help her teammates grow. Hannah played a huge part in both our trip to nationals and our recent regional win. She has a dominant presence on our forward line and a natural competitiveness that fuels the energy of the collective team.”

Aside from excelling on the field, Heanssler has maintained a 4.0 GPA and made the dean’s list each semester. She will also be graduating a semester early. Additionally, Heanssler has led her team in scoring for both her freshman and sophomore seasons and was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as an All-Star twice by the National Field Hockey League.

Heanssler, said success is more than winning. Success is achieving the goals and standards she sets for herself. It’s being a great person on and off the field and making a positive impact in field hockey.

“I have had so much fun being able to play with Hannah the last two years,” said teammate and UNCW senior Taryn Saunders. “Hannah knows the game really well and has great suggestions of how we can improve during our games. Knowing that she was on the field with me and that I could rely on her was super helpful for my performance and confidence during the high caliber of play. Hannah was a huge asset in our recent regional tournament win.” <