Grand Valley State head men's and women's tennis coach Sam Schall announced the addition of former Laker Billy Heckman to the coaching staff as an assistant coach with both programs.

"I am excited to have Billy join the Grand Valley State tennis program again," said Schall. "He is an outstanding teacher of the game and will be an outstanding recruiter with his personality. Billy knows what it will take to be an successful student-athlete at Grand Valley State," added Schall. 

Heckman began his collegiate career at Grand Valley State where he compiled a record of 28-10 in singles action and 25-12 in doubles action during his freshman campaign. Heckman's 28 singles victories set the GVSU single-season record for wins, while his 25 wins in doubles action ranks in the top 10 for a single-season. He turned in a record of 10-1 in GLIAC singles action during the 2013-14 season as the Lakers finished the GLIAC Tournament with a 2-1 record an advanced to the NCAA Tournament.  Heckman spent the final three years of his career at Western Michigan where he finished his career 42-23 in singles play and 70-38 in doubles action. The Broncos captured back-to-back conference crowns his final two seasons and Heckman was named team captain as a senior in 2017-18. 
 
Heckman prepped at Portage Central High School where he was a two-time finalist for Michigan Mr. Tennis Award. He tallied a 115-13 record over his high school career and was twice a state finalist at Portage Central. As a senior he went 30-2 and advanced to the MHSAA Division 2 state singles championship match. 
 
In addition to his coaching duties at Grand Valley State, Heckman is a teaching professional at Grand Rapids Racquet and Fitness.