2026 Basketball interview with Heidi Schultz from Nelsonville-York High School

 Name: Heidi Schultz

School/town: Nelsonville-York High School / Nelsonville, OH

Positions played: Combo Guard / Shooting Guard

Class of 2029

Height: 5’7”

Jersey Number: 23

Awards won or earned: Spire Academy Varsity/National -“Unsung Hero” Award USA Gold Camp -
“Impact Player” Award

HUDL LINK: www.hudl.com/profile/27450144/Heidi-Schultz

Other sports played:None

Twitter/Instagram Handles: HeidiHoops29

What got you started playing basketball?

I started playing ball only 4 years ago with the kids in my neighborhood in the cul-de-sac. My dad encouraged me to tryout for an organized team. The rest is history.

What keeps you playing the game?

I truly am in love with the game and the work that goes into it! God gave me a dream and the opportunity to chase it. I don’t want to waste that.

What goals are you setting for yourself this season?

Personally, I want to continue to develop my creativity in getting to the basket and up my defensive pressure. Footwork has always been a continued focus of mine as well as working on my strength and conditioning.

What team goals will you set?

As a teammate I want to be there for my Lady Buckeyes. This is my first year with them. They have welcomed me in their home with open arms! I want to show them that I can help lead them and that they can trust me. Taking it one game at a time and focusing on what is in front of us is very important. Everything else will fall in place.


As a younger player if you are having basketball related problems, which teammate would you turn to?

Senior Madi Pidcock! She has big goals like I do. She has already helped me so much. Coming from Spire Academy last year, moving hours away from what I was used to, she has helped me adjust really well on and off the court.

What makes you a good teammate?

I want to see all of my teammates succeed and achieve their goals! We are family in my eyes. I’ve been blessed enough to be teammates with people from all around the world and all different skill levels. My happiness and support for them will never change. 

Which part of your game do you believe is the strongest?

I’m a perfectionist and never satisfied. I don’t think anything is the strongest! If people were to watch me play they would probably say my defense and my ability to read the floor, my IQ.

Which part must you improve on before the season gets here?

I’m always working on my game, in all areas. I’d say the biggest focus point right now is my footwork.

Does the crowd affect you at all?

When I’m on the court I’m able to tune the them out when it’s needed. The crowd does help fuel that fire inside though, whether they’re with or against me!

What's been the biggest lesson that you have learned from playing sports?

I’ve had to learn the hard way and I think it’s common for most girls my age. But I’ve learned to NEVER let other people’s opinions define me. 

How important is it to you that the team not only get along on the court but off of it too?

Team bonding is everything! These girls are my family! I have unfortunately had to experience teams with no bonding and friendships off court as well as on. If you don’t relate in some way off the court you will suffer on court.

What is the best and toughest part of practice?

The best part of practices are any competitive drills and the live play. I’m a very competitive person on and off the court so I find it fun to compete against my teammates. The toughest part of practice is working through the fatigue but it only makes the games easier! What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right?!

Post anything from the 2025 season that sticks out to you the most. It can be from a practice, a game, the bus ride to or from the game. Any one moment that sticks out to you.

Being the only freshman at Spire Academy sticks out the most. I was able to learn from and play with some amazingly gifted and talented players. Getting to learn from Peanut Cradle (who now plays for Louisville) and Saniyah Hall (who plays for USC) specifically sticks out. These 2 did a lot for my determination and confidence. Even if I was just “the freshman”. 

What is a style or fad that your generation has that you do not get or understand?

I don’t know if this really answers the question, but my generation is so scared of failure. I don’t get it. If you are afraid to fail how do you ever truly know what you are good at and what you need to work on? I welcome failure. 

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite current athlete is Anthony Edwards because he plays with so much confidence and aggression! If we’re talking all-time I like Dennis Rodman! He played with so much grit. I try to do the same.

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

My favorite home cooked meal is sheet pan sausage, potato, and veggies.