Aussies Abroad #13 – Emily Heintzelman
In this installment of Aussies Abroad, Volleyball Australia caught up with Emily Heintzelman – a passionate volleyball athlete who has made the switch to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for her final season of her college commitments.
Unlike many of our other Aussies Abroad, Emily grew up in the United States but moved to New South Wales to finish her high school journey in 2021 – with Emily’s love for volleyball playing a huge part in her move to Australia.
“My story’s a little different in that I didn’t grow up in Australia, but I’ve always been connected to it as my mum grew up in Sydney,” Heintzelman said.
“I spent a lot of time here growing up, and in 2021, I moved here permanently to finish high school and train with the AVA (Australian Volleyball Academy), with my family home in Pyrmont, NSW.
“Volleyball has given me one of the most valuable gifts in my life – it brought me home to my large, extended family in Australia.
“It means the world to me, and being based here feels exactly right.
“To me, being Australian is about pride, belonging, and giving your all to something bigger than yourself.
“I’m honoured to represent this country and wear the green and gold – it means everything to me!”
First stepping onto the court at 10 years old, Emily participated in tournaments throughout the United States at school and elite representative levels in both indoor and beach disciplines.
“In the U.S. I played indoor for two powerhouse clubs in Ohio – Mintonette Sports and Elite VBTC,” she said.
“Both clubs are known for developing top NCAA athletes, and I had amazing coaches and mentors, and life was going great.
“Still, something felt missing. I had a strong pull to reconnect with my roots and study in Australia, closer to my extended family.
“In 2021, I joined the AVA and trained at the AIS in Canberra, which was a truly transformative experience.
“The program was world-class, blending indoor and beach, with expert coaches and excellent sports science support – it gave me the complete athlete experience and prepared me well for the U.S. college experience.
“While with the AVA, I got to compete on the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour. This experience was an absolute dream – playing on some of the world’s most iconic beaches against top-tier talent made every match feel exciting.”
Representing the NSW Phoenix in both the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships and Mahindra Australian Volleyball Super League, Emily has had experience playing in almost every position available – but her proudest moment was receiving the opportunity to don the green and gold.
“Without a doubt, my proudest moment was being named to the Volleyroos squad in 2023,” she said.
“Representing your country is the highest honour, and I feel an enormous sense of pride and responsibility every time I wear the green and gold.
“I have since represented Australia at several tournaments with the Volleyroos including Thailand (2023), Vietnam (2023), Indonesia (2023), Japan (2024), New Zealand (2024), Vietnam (2025), and World University Games in Germany (2025).
“Another standout was being named AVCA/CBVB National Pair of the Week in NCAA beach volleyball – an incredible moment, given the sheer talent across the league.
“That same season, I earned Pair of the Week honours twice in conference play – I had just come off an intensive training block with the Developing Volleyroos in Queensland, and it felt like all the hard work was paying off.
“My ultimate goal has always been international representation for Australia, and every step I have taken has been with that dream in mind.
“To continue growing as a player and competing at the highest level, NCAA competition or international professional experience is highly beneficial.
“The U.S. college system has pushed me technically, mentally, and physically, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as I continue to chase my dreams.
“From 2022 to 2025, I played NCAA Division 1 beach volleyball for Tulane University, but now I’m excited to transfer to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for my final season, joining fellow Aussies Sarah Burton and Jesse Mann, along with incoming freshmen Matisse Conlon and Lauren Brasell – you could say it’s starting to look like an Aussie takeover.”
Having had years of experience living abroad, the most difficult part of the transition into the US college system was the balance of sport and study.
“The hardest part of moving overseas was learning to juggle school and sport, especially in the Spring, when beach season is in full swing,” Heintzelman said.
“We travel nearly every weekend, often missing Thursday and Friday classes, so you’re constantly catching up on assignments, taking exams in hotel rooms under coach supervision, and squeezing in study time when you’re completely wiped out from competing.
“I finished high school in Australia in December and started college in the U.S. in January, jumping straight into the spring semester.
“It was a steep learning curve, living in a new city with a new school system and non-stop competition – but it taught me resilience and discipline, it was tough but so worth it!
“What I love most about playing volleyball abroad is the high level of competition and the intense atmosphere of the NCAA environment.
“Every match feels like a battle, and the training culture is incredibly driven – it’s a place where you’re constantly pushed to evolve.
“In Australia, there is a strong emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and long-term development, especially through programs such as AVA and NSW Phoenix.
“I feel that I have benefited as a player from experiencing the best of both worlds.”
For Emily, being an athlete has been a huge part of her life and has not only taken her around the world, but taught her many valuable lessons that have been important in her life off the court.
“For me, being an athlete is about resilience, identity, and connection,” she said.
“It’s the thread that’s tied so many parts of my life together – across countries, friendships, and personal growth.
“When I moved to Australia to chase a dream and be closer to my family, volleyball gave me purpose, a sense of belonging, and the structure I needed to thrive in a brand-new environment.
“It’s not just about medals, stats, and other measurable achievements, instead, it’s about showing up when you’re tired, supporting teammates through setbacks, finding the resilience to overcome your own challenges, including the inevitable injuries in elite sports, and growing into the person you want to become.
“Sport has taught me how to lead, how to bounce back, and how to find strength when things get hard, and believe me, there are times when things do get hard!
Being an athlete has shaped every part of who I am, and my ultimate dream is to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympic Games.
“Every decision I’ve made, from moving countries to training with the AVA and competing in the NCAA, has been with that goal in mind.
“I want to continue developing as a player, and I plan to keep working toward that goal. So long as I am enjoying myself, it is a goal I intend to continue striving for. It’s easy when you love what you do.
“Beyond playing, I’m passionate about giving back. I’d love to coach or mentor younger athletes one day.
“My advice to anyone just starting their volleyball journey is – don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect every moment you step on the court.
“Just keep showing up, stay coachable, and learn to love the grind.
“Progress can feel slow, but consistency, a growth mindset, and playing with heart will take you far.
“And don’t forget to check in with yourself now and then – make sure you’re still enjoying the journey. Volleyball can absolutely change your life, but it’s just as important to keep balance and joy in the process.”
