By: Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant Jelani Watts
Versatility is the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities. What makes a student-athlete versatile? It could be playing two different positions within the same sport…or it could be playing two completely different sports. For Jason Heisler, it's the latter.
A junior public relations major, Heisler is a diver on the men's swimming and diving team as well as a defender on the men's soccer team. The two-time Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference honoree lives the best of both worlds as a dual student-athlete.
Between maintaining academic excellence and participating in two varsity programs, it can be easy to wonder how one simply has the time to compete in the fall and the winter. "It certainly keeps me busy, that's for sure," said Heisler.
With soccer being on the field and diving taking place in the water, the two are practically opposites. This is all a part of the thrill for Heisler. "The two sports demand very different things, physically. And that's part of the reason I love it."
Finding a balance between the contrasting nature of both sports has proven to be effective for Heisler throughout his journey.
"I'm grinding and I'm huffing and puffing all soccer season. But, then I get into dive and it's a little more relaxed…but still, you've got to focus a little more on the technical pieces…like, are my legs straight? Are my toes pointed? Things like that. Two different practice vibes, but I think they blend really well together."
Hailing from Saline, Michigan, Heisler's move to Berea was a relatively short one. The type of environment is also quite comparable.
"Saline's sort of a smaller suburb of Ann Arbor. It definitely has that similar family vibe."
As Baldwin Wallace is a private institution, the university has more of a geographically diverse student body compared to other schools in the region. Staying in Saline would not have given Heisler the chance to meet people from across the map. Experiencing this upon arriving to campus was an eye-opener for him.
"What I love more about BW is definitely the diversity. I never thought I'd have friends from New York, California and Texas, all in one place."
Making an impact is what defines the character of a student-athlete. It involves more than just playing the game and heading home afterwards. What someone leaves behind is arguably more important than what they bring into the program.
Head men's soccer coach Reid Ayers could not say enough about the impact that Heisler has made in his three years at BW.
"Jason is a very effective leader and a tremendous role model for all of our players. He has had that same effect on those he comes across on campus," said Ayers.
"We offered him a roster spot which he accepted, and he has lived up to our expectations in his time at BW. I was really impressed with his demeanor and how he portrayed the program's values and supported our culture. Jason is not only a fabulous ambassador for the men's soccer program and the BW athletic department, but for the entire university."
On the aquatic side, Heisler is coached by head swimming and diving coach Laura Demaline.
"Coach Ayers and I were both excited about Jason's athleticism," said Demaline. "I met Jason during his senior year of HS while he was visiting schools. Jason was committed to playing soccer and having the opportunity to dive which was an awesome combination."
Heisler's immense skill set translates from the field to the water, and it does not go without notice.
"Jason is extremely talented - one of the best divers in our Conference and Regional. As a two sport athlete I think it is so impressive that he excels in both, and continues to improve on the boards."
Being a leader often comes from gaining inspiration from a valued person. For Heisler, that inspiration comes from his mother.
"I feel like a lot of people say that, but it's definitely true," said Heisler. "She's always thinking about other people and making sure that their needs are met, and that they're feeling loved and cared for. That's something I really try to embody in my day-to-day, especially at BW."
As Heisler is currently in the middle of his junior year, he is now beginning to consider his career interests upon graduation. He has high aspirations upon earning his Bachelor's degree in public relations.
"I'm super flexible, but I love the automotive community. I'd love to pair it with some sort of public relations. It's definitely something my dad had a big influence on since he's a huge car guy."
A public relations major can open the door to a variety of opportunities, but Heisler is not stopping there. He will enter the workforce as a triple-threat.
"I have a marketing and social media double minor, too, so I've really been enjoying that. I'm super excited and ready for the next steps, you know, wherever life takes me."
