Bill Heiser was one of the top recruits ever landed by the Loyola University Maryland men's soccer program. Prior to his arrival on campus, he was a member of the U17 U.S. National Team and a Parade Magazine All-American. His impact on and off the field has been remarkable.
 
In his four years at Loyola, Bill was a three-year captain who tallied 30 career goals and 20 assists. He was a three-time First Team All-MAAC selection who helped the Greyhounds to a 65-18-4 overall record with four MAAC regular-season and tournament championships and an NCAA tournament berth in 1993. He was inducted into the Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame in 2016.
 
After graduation, Bill was drafted by two professional soccer teams, but instead opted to pursue a career in education. He went on to earn a doctorate in education and was named the Maryland High School Principal of the Year in 2013. Bill is now the president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, one of the most transformational schools in Baltimore City. He and his wife, Tracy, are proud alums who continue to stay close to Loyola.  Learn more about him below in this week's Alum Spotlight presented by UNITS!



Name: Bill Heiser
Graduation Year: 1995 (B.A.), 1997 (M.Ed.)
Major: Sociology, Education

 
Let's talk about your youth soccer experience. How did you rise through the ranks to make it on to the United States U-17 team, and what are some of your favorite memories from that era?
 
I grew up playing soccer in my hometown of Bowie, MD, and later played for the Bethesda Soccer Club and Eleanor Roosevelt High School. I also played in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) where top players were identified and advanced through state, regional, and national team selection and competitions. My Maryland ODP team was really talented and we had excellent coaches. Truth is, I was very driven and practiced for hours every day. I had the added benefit of playing against my older brother and his friends in our front yard - no fouls were called which made me tougher. I was also a really versatile player. I was a center midfielder on my club team, a forward on the Maryland ODP team, an outside back on the Region I team, and an outside midfielder on the U-17 U.S. National Team.
 
My two years on the national team were life changing. It was an incredible honor to represent the United States. Our team traveled the country and world. Some of my favorite memories include: scoring my first international goal against Canada at the Olympic Training Center; defeating Trinidad & Tobago in their national stadium in front of 25,000 opposing fans to qualify for the World Cup; and, of course, the 1989 World Cup in Scotland. I had the honor of meeting Pele the evening before our first game against Brazil, which we defeated, 1-0. We were the first U.S. National Team at any level to defeat Brazil in a FIFA World Cup. It was an exciting time!

 
What was it that drew you to Loyola, and what are some top soccer highlights? 
 
The recruiting letters and scholarship offers poured in. As I was narrowing my choices, my mom became sick and passed away in January of my senior year. Coach Sento was recruiting me and he invited me to campus for an official visit. I loved the campus and immediately felt at home. I remember signing my National Letter of Intent at my high school with my dad by my side. It was a bright spot during a very challenging time in my life. 
 

Loyola was a perfect fit for me. After redshirting my first year due to ankle surgery, I was motivated to make an impact. We were a tight-knit team with really talented players. In four years, our team never had a season with less than 15 wins and we had the most wins (65) in the history of the program. We had some big wins, defeating nationally ranked teams like San Francisco, Clemson, and Fresno State - with what was likely my best college goal - a 25 yard chip over the goalkeeper while on the run in the pouring rain. 
 
In 1993, we earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. I remember the excitement on campus and it set in motion success for four other Loyola teams to make the NCAA tournament. I tore my meniscus in practice the day before our last regular season game. The day after surgery, I began my rehab and returned to play in the NCAA tournament after only seven days! We defeated James Madison in our first match on Curley Field. We lost to UVA in the second round after leading them by a goal. That year taught me a lot about grit and gratitude. 
 
Off the field, I was beginning to thrive academically. It was serendipity that I met my best friend and future wife, Tracy Cerrato, during my freshman year. She was instrumental in encouraging me to graduate on time with her in 1995 and enroll in graduate school for my final year of eligibility. We married in the Loyola Alumni Chapel in 1998 and we have two boys. We have so many good memories and close friends from Loyola.
 

When did you realize you wanted to work in education, and what early steps did you take to get your career path started?
 
After college graduation, I enrolled in Loyola's graduate education program in school counseling during my final year of eligibility. Although I was drafted by two professional teams, I chose not to pursue a professional soccer career. I realized in graduate school that I wanted to make a positive impact on students. I took three important steps early in my career. First, I immediately continued my education by earning my masters, doctorate, and administrator certifications. Second, I reached out to successful educational leaders for mentorship. Lastly, I was open to new opportunities requiring me to adapt and learn in new environments. I have worked at two universities and six high schools in three school districts, teaching me many leadership lessons along the way. None of it possible without the support and encouragement from my family.
 
 
Take us through your progression over the years to your current role at Cristo Rey, including your Maryland High School Principal of the Year award in 2013 and other accomplishments at your various schools that you're most proud of.
 
My first principalship was at North County High School in Anne Arundel County, MD in 2010. It was an opportunity to raise the expectations and academic achievement for all students. We had a great team which led to the rapid turnaround of an underperforming school. We significantly improved graduation rates, increased AP and dual enrollment, and set record breaking merit-based scholarship awards for our students. We retained and attracted great teachers. It was an honor to be recognized as the Maryland High School Principal of the Year.

My Jesuit education at Loyola and the various schools that I served prepared me well for my current role at Cristo Rey Jesuit. I am really proud of the work we are doing. We provide students from Baltimore City an opportunity to receive a college prep, Jesuit education. Our students work at a corporate internship once a week throughout their four years of high school. We have had ten graduating classes and 100% of our graduates have been accepted to college. Our students and alumni are an inspiration! I am personally grateful to Loyola University Maryland, the Baltimore business community, and the generosity of so many benefactors (Loyola alumni included) for investing in Cristo Rey Jesuit's students. 
 

 
How has Cristo Rey adapted to the challenges created by COVID-19 in 2020?
 
In March of 2020, we quickly pivoted to distance learning. Our COVID Task Force has met every week to ensure that our faculty, students, and families have the resources necessary to deliver a high-quality academic program. Our first priority was to implement a one-to-one laptop program and determine the Wifi connectivity needs of our families. Our primary focus has been on ensuring that our families' basic needs are met. It is a challenging time but our team is amazing. They conduct home visits, distribute food and resources, and we established an emergency fund for current students and alumni. Together, we will get through this global pandemic. 
 
 
Do you still keep up with Loyola University and the men's soccer team? What are your thoughts on the current state of the program?
 
I am still very connected with Loyola in a number of areas. I am a current member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alumni Board at Loyola. I previously served on the Board of Advisors for the School of Education. Also, Cristo Rey Jesuit has a very strong partnership with Loyola. We have eight students interning at Loyola every year and some of our students have become Greyhounds. I am particularly grateful to President Linnane for his long-standing support of our mission.
 
On a personal level, I remain very connected to our men's soccer program. I enjoy returning to watch the team play at Ridley. It's a lot of fun catching up with the men's soccer alumni at our annual alumni weekend. The current state of the program is very strong. Coach Steve Nichols and the team are coming off a record-breaking three consecutive Patriot League regular season titles. They are on the cusp of breaking through to the NCAA tournament. When they do, I will be there cheering for the team. 

 
Is there any message you would like to give to the current team as they prepare to return to the field during the spring semester?
 
Thank you for choosing to be a Greyhound! You are going to have to earn everything you accomplish. Set your goals high. It's going to take sacrifice and perseverance but it's going to be worth all of the ups and downs. Like me, you will emerge stronger. Go Hounds!