Athletics seems to be in David Heller’s genes. The UMW senior joked that he started playing soccer “probably right about when I could start walking.” Heller’s mother starred in volleyball; his father ran track and played football and basketball. His brother plays lacrosse, and his sister plays field hockey. Beginning young in a family of athletes helped secure Heller a frequent starting defensive position as a UMW freshman. Last spring, as a junior, he earned the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year award, a title traditionally reserved for a senior. Heller is only the second junior to have received the honor since UMW established it in 1990. The award recognizes varsity upperclassmen who excel academically and athletically. To earn the honor, student athletes must keep a minimum Star Defender Here to Learn 3.3 cumulative grade-point average and contribute greatly to the success of their teams. Heller’s soccer coach, Jason Kilby, said Heller won the award because of his strong … [Read more...]