Hillcrest Academy head girls basketball coach Kari Heusinkveld has been recognized for her work with the Ravens by Goshen College in Indiana. Heusinkveld, a class of 2012 Goshen alumna, was named the school’s Champions of Character Award winner. She earned the honor for the leadership and coaching skills she has displayed during her time at Hillcrest Academy in helping to build the program. In her first two years with the Ravens, they posted a combined 1-37 record. Since then, the program has shown steady growth under Heusinkveld’s leadership, posting five wins in 2017-18, including a pair of playoff wins, and 10 victories in their most recent season. Her coaching philosophies emphasize encouragement, relationship building with her players, attitude, accountability, work ethic, perseverance and personal growth. In March, she was also recognized by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association with the E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award. The 2019-20 season will mark her fifth with Hillcrest Academy.