Hoff's multi-sport contributions lands former Lynx standout HOF induction

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of four articles recognizing the three individuals and one state championship team that have been selected for induction into BV’s Athletic Hall of Fame this year.

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As Heidi (Hoff) Hausmann takes a moment to reflect on her high school sports career, she’s come to the conclusion that shooting hoops, spiking volleyballs, kicking soccer balls, smacking doubles and triples, and running for the finish line were simply preparing her for the next chapters of her life.

The 2012 Brandon Valley High School alumna is one of three former Lynx standout prep athletes to be inducted into the 2020 BV Athletic Hall of Fame. 

“Now more than ever I realize how much sports have prepared me for this chapter of life,” says Hausmann, a five-sport athlete. “The traits you develop as an athlete prepare you for every aspect of life. As a wife, knowing how to work together, communicate, compromise and appreciate each other. As a mother, being supportive, leading by example, encouraging and being active. I’m so grateful for all that sports have taught me.”

Hausmann and her husband, Cooper, are parents to Nash, 1 ½ years old. They live in Norfolk, Neb., where she is the executive director for Norfolk Family Coalition, a non-profit that provides resources to children and families.    

While Hausmann was a standout on the basketball court, she also committed her talents to volleyball, softball and soccer and track. 

“I loved them all!” she shares. “If I could give any advice to younger generations, it would be to play as many sports as long as you can.”

Suiting up to play varsity basketball as a freshman, Hausmann achieved the first of her many goals of the game.

“I was grateful to get to play alongside five talented seniors. They were all wonderful leaders and I learned so much from them that year that made an impact on the rest of my career at BV,” she said.

The Lynx captured second at state that season, a moment Hausmann defines as “heart-breaking.”

“But overall, it was an ideal freshman year and I learned a lot in that first season,” she said.

She crossed off another goal as a junior in 2011 when the team captured the program’s first-ever AA state title.

“Winning a state title was always a dream of mine. So, to bring home the first-ever state title in BV history – especially since we were not necessarily expected to win it all – is something I will forever cherish,” she said. “The best part is years later still reminiscing with old teammates about the memories. Every state title is special, but there was just something extra special about it being the first.”

Hausmann was the youngest of four Hoff sisters to play basketball at Brandon Valley. Although she was “last in line,” she said she never felt any extra pressure to push past their success.

“I always looked up to them as role models,” she said. “Basketball was never something I felt I ‘had’ to do, it was just something I always ‘wanted’ to do.”

And she “wanted” to do it from an early age on.

“One of my favorite memories as a little girl was waiting for my dad to get home so we could play ‘one-on-one’; he never turned me down,” she recalled.

After having watched elder sisters Angie and Rachel be teammates, she, too, wanted that same experience. And, she achieved it when she and sister, Kelli, played alongside one another.

“It was fun being the ‘Hoff sisters’ instead of just ‘Kelli and Heidi,’” she said.

As a five-sport athlete, Hausmann collected 11 varsity letters. She played varsity soccer for two seasons before transferring to volleyball, where she contributed in big ways. Her senior season, she was named team captain and was an All-ESD Conference honorable mention.

She was gifted in softball (two seasons) and track and field (one season).

Basketball is where Hausmann really shined. She earned four varsity letters and helped the Lady Lynx to win ESD Conference titles in 2009 and 2012, along with enjoying a run of three state tournament appearances. The Lynx claimed runner-up honors in 2009, finished fourth in 2012 and brought home the hardware in 2011. 

She racked up a multitude of individual accolades during her prep career, establishing 11 school records in points, rebounds, assists, and steals in individual games, seasons or career. She also earned all-conference honors three times and was All-Tournament and All-State twice.

Along with the records came a wealth of accolades: Spirit of Su, South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association and Argus Leader Player of the Year, South Dakota Miss Basketball and South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year.

Yet, she remains humble. 

“There were many deserving players of each of those awards that year, so they were all an honor,” she said. “Being a good teammate, leader, remaining humble, and displaying good character were important values to me. The awards that were based on these values and not ‘just being a good basketball player’ meant the most to me.” 

The game of basketball afforded Hausmann a college education at the University of South Dakota. The Coyotes also had success, winning the National Invitational Tournament championship.

“I am so grateful I had the opportunity to play at the college level and for the experiences gained in those four years,” she said. “Again, the relationships I created with my teammates is the part I cherish the most. The experiences I had at the college level were full of ups and downs. From winning the WNIT tournament to the lows of a season-ending injury. My time as a basketball player at the college level taught me many valuable life lessons that although sometimes tough in the moment, I am grateful for now.”

While bringing home BV’s first state title is an obvious standout moment, Hausmann said she was always proud to represent the town and her school.

“We always had tremendous support and it was so much fun getting to play for something bigger than yourself,” she said.

She also makes mention of playing varsity ball with her sister, Kelli, and all of the “off” the court bonding times that may have included “dancing in the locker room before games, the bus rides and team get-togethers.”

Hausmann isn’t taking her induction into BV’s Hall of Fame lightly.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” she shares. “There are many deserving alumni of this honor. I am especially excited and honored to be inducted with the entire 2011 state championship (girls’ basketball) team. Getting to catch up with all of them and reminisce on the memories will make for a special event.”

While it Hausmann, herself, who put in the hard work, she’s grateful for those who helped her along the way to excel on the basketball and volleyball courts and soccer and softball fields.

Her parents, Doug and Lois, top the list.

“My parents were always supportive of all my sisters and I and never missed a game. Somehow, they always made sure at least one of them were at each of our events,” she said.

She also gives a nod to her sisters, who, she says, “never took it easy on me and always made sure I remembered I was the ‘little’ sister.”

“My sisters were extremely supportive and never missed my games if they had the choice. They are to credit for keeping me motivated and humbled,” she said.

A long list of coaches, starting with her dad, Doug, who was her coach when she first started playing the game in second grade. Matt Christensen and Suzanne Carroll guided her through her seventh and eighth grade seasons. When she ventured into high school, Mark Stadem, Mark Schlekeway, Jeff Lockner and Jill Austin took over the role.

“I was again blessed with an incredible team of coaches. They were all amazing coaches, but even better people that taught so much more than basketball,” she said. “Coach Stadem was especially influential in my high school years, turning me into the player I aspired to become. He truly cared about his each of us as a person and taught us about much more in life than basketball. In addition, all the coaches I had playing softball, soccer, and volleyball were also instrumental in helping me excel in sports,” she said.