2017: Saw action in 33 games, primarily as a pinch runner … recorded five stolen bases and scored 12 runs for the Badgers … had a four-game scoring streak from March 11- March 22
2016: Saw action in 17 games … totaled nine runs with the most recent vs. Santa Clara (3/13) … stolen one base twice this season, the latest against UNLV (2/25)
High School: Three-time first-team all-state shortstop … three-time first-team all-district shortstop … first-team All-MAC Conference honoree (shortstop/utility) all four years … first-team All-QCA and IA-IL Metro utility player and as a senior … owns three of the top five single season batting averages in school history … had second-highest career batting average (.481) … second-most career triples (13) … ranks second in single season stolen bases (42) and third in career stolen bases (134) … ranks third in career runs (167) … helped lead team to 100 wins in four years and to four regional finals … among the top leaders in Iowa in hits, runs, stolen bases and batting average every year … as a senior, the second-team all-state utility selection racked up 43 hits in 91 at bats with five doubles, seven triples and one home run … finished the season with 35 runs, 16 RBI, a .473 batting average, a .714 slugging percentage and a .515 on base percentage … second-team All-QCA and IA-IL Metro shortstop as a junior and sophomore … second-team All-QCA and IA-IL Metro utility player as a freshman … started 36 games at shortstop as a junior and racked up 62 hits, eight doubles, two triples and one home run in 133 at bats … also notched 41 runs, 13 RBI and 38 stolen bases with a .466 batting average, .579 sluggging percentage, .482 on base percentage and .892 fielding percentage … combined for 138 hits, 91 runs and 38 RBI in her freshman and sophomore campaigns, starting in 79 total games … also pitched as a freshman and compiled a 13-7 record with a 1.42 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 104 innings pitched … played three seasons with the S.E. IA Softball Allstars starting at second base and shortstop … also lettered in volleyball (3), basketball (2), track (2) and was a member of the state-qualifying hurdle relay team
Personal: Parents are Michele Kapinski, Shane Brisker, Jeff Heim and Ann McKilligan … mother, Michele, played basketball at Marycrest College … father, Jeff Heim, played football and basketball at Westmar College … has six siblings, Justin (28), Jordan (deceased), Codie (20), Regan (16), Kalli (14) and Kaleb (14) … plans to major in psychology with a minor in history or religion ... involved with Treasure Tuesday and Special Olympics in high school
Coach Healy on Heim: "McKenna Heim is a speedy, lanky lefty hitter and shortstop from Iowa. She's a run-scorer, who will undoubtedly pressure other teams with her speed at the plate and on the bases. She's grown over the years from an enthusiastic camper, into a big-time BCS shortstop who will make an immediate impact. She's well coached, playing for one of the top travel organizations in the state of Iowa, competing for Merle Miller's Southeast Iowa All-Stars."
Why Wisconsin?
"The first time I stepped foot on the campus, I loved it. It just felt right. Everyone, the coaching staff & my teammates, were very friendly. I was a little intimidated by the size of the campus but once I started walking around, I got the feel of it. When I visited other colleges and universities, they couldn't compare to everything Wisconsin has to offer."
Off the Field with McKenna:
My favorite thing about Wisconsin Softball is: The coaching staff, my teammates and the family atmosphere. I also love that we have both speed and power in hitting.
Before each game, I: I always dress 3-4 hours before the game. I can't wait until the game to dress.
Hobbies: Collecting shells, fossils and rocks
One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: I want to travel to Australia
Favorite quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Favorite softball moment: I slapped my first home run, first game of the season. We won. Also, when my traveling softball team, S.E. IA Softball Allstars, hung on to win the USSSA, MSP College Showcase Tourney in Kansas City, against the Elite Select team, by 1 run. We played until 9:00 at night & had a 6 hour drive back home.
Most memorable softball achievement: Getting named 1st-Team All-State throughout high school and nominated for Female Athelete of the Year by the Quad City Times. There's a lot of great athletes in the Quad Cities / Iowa-Illinois area and that was quite an honor.
If I could change one softball rule, it would be: Leaving the base too early. Depending on your stance and where your starting foot is can make this such a tough call. There should be a warning, rather than an out, so someone with a quick, well-timed jump isn't penalized so severly.
Best UW memory: So far, my official visit. I'm looking forward to making many more, both on and off the field!
Greatest fear: Spiders
What song would you put on the soundtrack to your life? "See You Again" - Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth.
If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be? Modern Family
What is your favorite movie line or scene? Almost anything from the Benchwarmers
What is your favorite book? The Giver or The Hunger Games
Favorite team to play? I'm really looking forward to playing Minnesota & Michigan. Gotta beat the best to be the best.
