Heather Zurich

Heather Zurich
Photo courtesy of Ron Richel

Heather N. Zurich (born October 23, 1987) is an American basketball player. Zurich completed her college basketball career with the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women's basketball team in 2009. The Montvale, New Jersey native saw action in 14 NCAA Tournament games over her college career, including two regional finals, a Final Four and the program’s first national championship game. Zurich contributed to an extraordinary 102-34 record for Rutgers during her four-year stay in Piscataway. In the 2009-10 season, Zurich played overseas for Autocad Amazone Leidsche Rijn [21] of the Dames Eredivisie in The Netherlands. Zurich is currently a graduate assistant coach for the Wagner College Seahawks women's basketball team on Staten Island, NY.

High school career

Zurich attended Pascack Valley High School located in Hillsdale in Bergen County, New Jersey. As a senior, Zurich earned a spot on the Star-Ledger, Record and Associated Press All-State First Teams while averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. She finished her high school career with 1,798 career points and led Pascack Valley to a four-year record of 106-9 and four league titles. In her senior year in 2005, she led Pascack Valley to a 29-2 mark, winning the Group 2 state title and advancing to the semifinals of the Tournament of Champions. As a junior, Zurich averaged 18 points per game and was a participant at the 2004 adidas All-America Camp. She was named to the Associated Press All-State Third Team, The Record All-Region First Team and the Star-Ledger All-County First Team.

In the 2005 Group 2 state championship (Zurich's senior year) she made 9 of her 11 shots in the second half, nailed all 10 of her free throw attempts, scored 25 of her team's 36 second half points and reached a new career high for points in a game. Coach Jeff Jasper stated:

"When they talk about a player being in the zone, (Zurich) was just in the zone. She was just so fluid on everything. Fluid on rebounding, passing, movement on the floor. She didn't even take a wasted dribble today. It was just Heather and it was like everyone else was just floating around her. That was special."

Zurich's play during her four years of participation in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions was recognized in 2008 when she was named to the All-Group 2 Tournament of Champions First Team.. Looking back at Zurich's overall play during her four years at Pascack Valley, The Star Ledger wrote:

"If Jeff Jasper seeked a poster girl for his revered program, the Pascack Valley coach would have to consider the versatile Zurich. A basketball intellect that was off the charts, Zurich had the answer for every situation. A master of the mid-range jumper, she was the complete package.".

In 2010, Zurich's state championship game effort was deemed by NorthJersey.com as the Moment of the Decade. NorthJersey.com described the moment:

"Pascack Valley guard Heather Zurich poured in a career-high 33 points to lead the Indians to a 64-45 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven in the State Group 2 final. Zurich scored 16 of her team’s 18 points in the third quarter and was sublime in the second half, going 9-for-11 from the field.".

Additionally, NorthJersey.com recognized Zurich by naming her to the All-Decade (Bergen County) Team.

Collegiate career

Freshman Season

Heather Zurich played in 20 games for the Scarlet Knights her freshman year, making one start. She averaged 1.0 point and 0.4 rebound per game. Zurich made her collegiate debut against North Florida November 25, 2005 at the Junkanoo Jam, scoring two points in five minutes of play. She made her first start January 14, 2006 against Seton Hall.

Sophomore Season

After a freshman year in which she played primarily the three spot, making just one start in her 20 games played, Zurich asked her coach what she could do to get more playing time and contribute. Coach Stringer told her that if she played the small forward position, she could open the game up for her high-post shots when the defense double-teamed the center. Zurich took coach Stringer's advice and spent the summer changing her workout routine and her mindset. When her sophomore year started, Zurich had developed herself into a presence at the four position and earned the playing time she had hoped for.

As a sophomore, Heather Zurich started 33 of the Scarlet Knights’ 36 games on the season, including the last 27 straight . Zurich helped lead the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Final Four and the championship game where they were defeated by the University of Tennessee. She averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game and shot 42.2 percent from the field for the year. During the NCAA Tournament, Zurich averaged 6.5 points per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor. She scored at least two points in every game that season excluding four. She also compiled a 17-game streak of consecutive scoring games. Zurich had (then) career-best six rebounds on three occasions. Over the first three games of the NCAA Tournament, she shot 10-of-15 (.667) from the field. Zurich played 895 minutes on the season, compared to 80 total minute the previous season.

Zurich was named Most Improved Player at the yearly team awards ceremony.

Junior Season

As a junior, Heather Zurich played in 33 games including 24 as a starter. She averaged 24.8 minutes, 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. For the season, she shot 42.1 percent from the floor. Zurich posted a career-high 16 points at Cincinnati on January 22 going 7-of-13 from the field. Started five of the season’s last six games, including three NCAA Tournament contests.

Senior Season

By the conclusion of her senior season, Heather Zurich had played in 122 games for Rutgers and had 85 career starts, including 28 that season. As a captain in her final campaign, Zurich helped lead the Scarlet Knights to 102 victories over her four seasons, which are the second-most by a class in the history of Rutgers women’s basketball.

Zurich had 12 double-digit scoring games her senior campaign while averaging 5.5 points and 2.5 rebound per game. She scored an NCAA Tournament career-high 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting against Auburn in her last game at the RAC and had played in 14 career NCAA Tournament games. Zurich played a career-high 43 minutes, swiped a career-best four steals and tied her career-highs in rebounds (7) and assists (5) in Rutgers' Big East Tournament quarterfinal game against Louisville.

In the NCAA Tournament game against Auburn, Zurich scored all 12 of her points in the first half and locked down Auburn star DeWanna Bonner in the Scarlet Knights' intricate triangle-and-two scheme. Zurich denied Bonner the ball time after time and held the SEC Player of the Year without a point until Rutgers had already built a commanding 19-point lead 12 minutes into the game. "DeWanna Bonner is an unbelievable player," said Zurich, who forced Bonner into 3-of-9 shooting in the first half. "She's so unique. I was just trying to keep her close to me. My teammates did a great job helping. We just had to know where she was at all times and communicate."

With her career winding down, Zurich maintained that she made the right choice coming to Rutgers. She may have played more minutes elsewhere (she averaged 22 minutes over her career), but she wouldn't have enjoyed the same amount of success. Rutgers was 99-31 with four NCAA Tournament appearances—including a Final Four run—in Zurich's four years. "I know I've grown," she said. "I'm not filling up the stat sheet every night. But I think I do a lot of little things on the court. And that's what's kept me on the court. These four years have been really satisfying."

With her gritty, consistent play thoughout her senior year, Zurich was selected to The Lunch Bucket Players of the Big East.[22] - "Those who come to practice early, work tirelessly, give maximum effort during their time on the court, rarely make mistakes, and contribute in important ways, all without the glory".. Zurich says “I knew my role, and it has never bothered me. I came here because I wanted to challenge myself. As long as I’m a part of this team, the name on the back (of the jersey) doesn’t matter – it’s the name on the front.”.

Zurich was named the Most Inspirational Player and earned the Scholar-Athlete Award for the highest grade point average at the yearly team awards ceremony. She also received the annual Cager Club award, presented to a player who exemplifies the best in sportsmanship and character and humility.

Professional career

In 2009 at the conclusion of her collegiate career, Heather Zurich signed a professional contract with Autocad Amazone Leidsche Rijn [23] of the Dames Eredivisie in The Netherlands and was represented by Eric Wiesel of LBM Management [24].

"It means so much to me to have the chance to continue my basketball career. It's something I've always dreamed of. I am excited by both the opportunity to play and also the anticipation of living overseas."

2009-10 Season

During the regular season, Zurich helped lead the AutoCAD Amazone Leidsche Rijn team to a 16-13 record and a fourth place finish in the Dames Eredivisie in The Netherlands with a 15-11 divisional record. She finished second on the team in scoring (12.2 ppg), rebounding (9.9 rpg), steals (85) and blocked shots (18) while recording 10 games with double-digit scoring and rebounding. Zurich averaged nearly a double-double with 12.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg. She accomplished individual game highs of 21 points, 16 rebounds, 10 steals, 6 assists and 3 blocks while shooting 44.0% from the floor, 33.3% from the 3-point arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. During a pre-season game in Luxembourg, Zurich broke her nose (requiring surgery) and had to sit out the first game of the regular season. As she had to during her college career when she broke her nose, she was forced to wear a mask for a number of games until fully healed. At mid-season, Zurich was selected to participate in the Dutch All Star Gala as a member of the Team World Stars that challenged the Team Dutch Stars and scored 11 points.

In the post-season, Zurich helped lead the team to a 2-3 post-season record and a position in the semi-finals where the team lost to the ProBuild Lions. She finished first in scoring (72) and second in rebounding (37) while recording 2 games with double-digit scoring and rebounding. She accomplished individual game highs of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 46.0% from the floor, 60.0% from the 3-point arc and 94.4% from the free-throw line. In the final game of the opening series against Wereldtickets.nl, Zurich hit the game winning 3-point basket at the buzzer.

At the conclusion of the season, Zurich was named to the All-Dutch Eredivisie Second Team.

In 2010, Zurich announced that she will take a job as an assistent coach for the Wagner Seahawks, a team from New York

Coaching career

At the conclusion of her 2009-20 professional season in The Netherlands, Zurich retired from professional basketball to go back to school and to begin a career in coaching at Wagner College on Staten Island, NY. Women’s basketball coach Gela Mikalauskas hired Zurich from a field of over 200 applicants after consultations with former Seton Hall coach Phyllis Mangina and Zurich's collegiate coach C. Vivian Stringer of Rutgers. Coach Mikalauskas stated:

"We are pleased to have Heather join our coaching staff at Wagner. She had a great career at Rutgers and comes highly recommended by Rutgers Coach C. Vivian Stringer. Her experience of going to the Final Four as a player in addition to playing overseas will help our players set the bar high."

Zurich was quoted in a text message:

"I’m very excited about getting the Wagner position, it gives me an opportunity to gain valuable experience as an assistant at the division one level and, at the same time, pursue my masters. It’s going to be challenging and I’m ready to learn as much as I can, as well as share some of my experience with the team. I am going to work hard and dedicate all of my time and effort to help make the Seahawks successful this year. Right now I’m just excited to get back to the states soon, meet the coaching staff and current players and get started."

Zurich will work primarily with assistant coach Brett Self on individual post player development and assist on perimeter instruction. Additionally, Coach Mikalauskas stated:

"Heather will be in charge of film exchange, breaking down scout films, and assisting Brett with the post players. She doesn’t have the coaching experience yet, but in two years’ time, she can pick her spot."

Personal

Heather Zurich is the daughter of George and Lorrie Zurich of Montvale, N.J. and is the oldest of three children . She has a sister, Monica and a brother, Stephen. Zurich started playing basketball through Heather Miles-Pascack Valley Basketball and coach Jeff Jasper. Before deciding to focus solely on hoops as she got older, Zurich also played soccer and softball, which she admitted to missing from time to time.

In the Spring of 2009, Zurich graduated from Rutgers University with a 3.273 GPA and a degree in Sport Management and Exercise Science. Starting in the fall of 2010, Zurich will be pursuing an MBA in business at Wagner College.

Life Changing Experience

Following the conclusion of Zurich's sophomore year, the Rutgers women's basketball team was drawn into a controversy not of their own doing. The shock-jock personality, Don Imus, used a slur against the women of the team just days after their lost in the NCAA Final Four championship game in April, 2007. On April 10, 2007, the Rutgers women's basketbal team held a press conference and Zurich was one of its spokespersons. Zurich spoke from the heart when she said:

"Good morning, I am Heather Zurich; A sophomore and a proud member of the Rutgers women's basketball team. This week and last we should have been celebrating our accomplishments this past season; many of the media here, may not realize my team started the season 2-4, we were at the lowest of lows, Coach Stringer called us her worst defensive team ever; but we- the ten of us here- , prevailed, we fought, we persevered and most of all, we believed in ourselves. We won 22 of 25 games to finish the season, before falling to Tennessee in the national championship game. .. We won the Big East championship along the way, the first ever and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. We know we shocked a lot of people along the way, but this team did not settle for just showing up- we reached what many only dream about – the NCAA title game. But all of our accomplishments were lost …. Our moment was taken away- Our moment to celebrate our success, our moment to realize how far we came on and off the court as young women; we were stripped of this moment by the degrading comments by Mr. Imus last Wednesday. What hurts the most about this situation is Mr. Imus knows not one of us personally; he doesn't know Mat is the funniest person you will ever meet; Kia is the big sister you never had but always wanted; and Piph would be an unbelievable lawyer someday. These are my teammates, my family. And we were insulted and yes, we are angry. Worst of all, my team and I did nothing to deserve Mr. Imus nor Mr. McGirk's deplorable comments. Our families are upset and with good reason; instead of enjoying our first day off in months to celebrate Easter with our families, this was the topic of conversation. We attend the eighth oldest institution of higher education in the country and not to mention, one of the most difficult academically. (I think many Rutgers students can agree on that) We ten are simply put --student-athletes. But instead of attending study hall this morning, I address you about something that should never have taken place. I am extremely proud of my teammates – I am proud when we walk through an airport on the way to or from a road trip; dressed alike, in Rutgers gear with pressed pants and nice shoes. The ten of us, love getting dressed up for banquets and I believe we present ourselves well – both on and off the court; even though Mr. Imus seemed to think differently. But then again, he knows not one of us. Thank you for your time."

Awards

• 2009-10 All-Dutch Eredivisie Second Team
• 2008-09 Big East All-Academic Team
• 2008-09 Rutgers Cagers Club Award
• 2008-09 Rutgers Most Inspirational Player
• 2008-09 Rutgers Scholar-Athlete Award
• 2007-08 Big East All-Academic Team
• 2006-07 Rutgers Most Improved Player
• 2005 N. J. Gatorade Player of the Year
• 2005 The Star-Ledger All-State First Team
• 2005 The Record All-State First Team
• 2005 Associated Press All-State First Team
• 2004 Associated Press All-State Third Team
• 2004 The Record All-Region First Team
• 2004 The Star-Ledger All-County First Team

Professional Statistics

2009-10 AutoCAD Amazone Leidsche Rijn

Career Regular Season Statistics
Season	G	Min	MPG	FGM	FGA	FG%	3FGM	3FGA	3FG%	FTM	FTA	FT%	Pts	PPG	OR	DR	Reb	RPG	A	TO	Blk	Stl	PF	FO
2009-10	28	963	34.4	122	277	44.0%	8	24	33.3%	73	95	76.8%	341	12.2	71	205	276	9.9	65	62	18	85	95	1
Totals	28	963	34.4	122	277	44.0%	8	24	33.3%	73	95	76.8%	341	12.2	71	205	276	9.9	65	62	18	85	95	1

Career Post-Season Statistics
Season	G	Min	MPG	FGM	FGA	FG%	3FGM	3FGA	3FG%	FTM	FTA	FT%	Pts	PPG	OR	DR	Reb	RPG	A	TO	Blk	Stl	PF	FO
2009-10	5	172	34.4	23	53	43.4%	3	5	60.0%	17	18	94.4%	72	14.4	7	30	37	7.4	10	16	0	8	15	1
Totals	5	172	34.4	23	53	43.4%	3	5	60.0%	17	18	94.4%	72	14.4	7	30	37	7.4	10	16	0	8	15	1

College Statistics

2005-09 Rutgers University

Career Statistics
Season	G	S	Min	MPG	FGM	FGA	FG%	3FGM	3FGA	3FG%	FTM	FTA	FT%	Pts	PPG	OR	DR	Reb	RPG	A	TO	Blk	Stl	PF	FO
2005-06	32	1	80	2.5	9	26	34.6%	3	10	30.0%	0	4	0.0%	21	0.7	1	9	10	0.3	5	8	0	1	5	0
2006-07	36	33	895	24.9	76	180	42.2%	17	46	37.0%	9	12	75.0%	178	4.9	30	46	76	2.1	44	39	9	17	56	0
2007-08	34	24	818	24.1	67	156	42.9%	13	43	30.2%	12	18	66.7%	159	4.7	31	58	89	2.6	35	43	2	14	50	0
2008-09	34	28	887	26.1	73	171	42.7%	14	45	31.1%	27	31	87.1%	187	5.5	29	55	84	2.5	54	38	11	23	58	1
Totals	136	86	2680	19.7	225	533	42.2%	47	144	32.6%	48	65	73.8%	545	4.0	91	168	259	1.9	138	128	22	55	169	1

Legend

3FG%	3pt Field Goal Percentage	3FGA	3pt Field Goals Attempted	3FGM	3pt Field Goals Made	A	Assists
Blk	Blocks	DR	Defensive Rebounds	FG%	Field Goal Percentage	FGA	Field Goals Attempted
FGM	Field Goals Made	FO	Fouled Out	FPG	Fouls Per Game	FT%	Free Throws Percentage
FTA	Free Throws Attempted	FTM	Free Throws Made	G	Games	Min	Minutes
MPG	Minutes Per Game	OR	Offensive Rebounds	PF	Personal Fouls	PPG	Points Per Game
Pts	Points	Reb	Rebounds	RPG	Rebounds Per Game	S	Starts
Stl	Steals	TO	Turnovers