Athlete of the Week - West Orange Times & Observer: Makala Heidelberg

Makala Heidelberg, a rising junior for the West Orange High volleyball team, is having quite the summer. Last week, Heidelberg’s club team won the 17 Open division at the AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships and Heidelberg was named the national tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Additionally, the Warrior standout committed to play her college volleyball at Tulane University recently.

Playing against a national field and winning the tournament, what does that mean to you and your teammates?

It’s amazing — it was very exciting. We work hard, and we’re in the gym almost every day. We earned it.

Were you surprised at all to be recognized as an individual at such an elite tournament?

It kind of surprised me, but I think I had one of my best tournaments that I played in.

You committed to Tulane last week. What put the Green Wave over the top as your college of choice?

I love the coaches — they’re great and they believe in me. The campus, I was told that a lot of movies are filmed on campus. It’s beautiful. I love it — it’s very urban.

Where are you working to improve this summer?

My ball control with serve-receive — I’ve gotten a lot better with that and it showed during this tournament.

Now that you’ve got a national championship to your credit, how exciting would it be to lead West Orange further than it has been before in volleyball?

That’s my goal — to take (West Orange) further. It would be great and amazing to prove that West Orange has what it takes.

How would you describe the differences between playing club and playing varsity?

Varsity is more fun. With club, it’s serious. We do have fun, but it’s more of a business, I would say.

What’s your favorite city you have traveled to for volleyball?

I would have to say Atlanta — it’s the site of a tournament I go to every year. It’s fun — it’s one of the bigger tournaments.

What’s a good movie you have seen this summer?

My favorite would be “The Conjuring 2.” I don’t usually get scared during scary movies, but that movie made me not want to sleep with my light off.

What is your (non-volleyball related) dream job?

Honestly, I want to play football. I love quarterbacks — I just feel I would be really good at it. In the NFL, I would probably want to play, maybe, for the Patriots.