Jacob Heck is entering his fourth season at the helm of Carolina University Men’s Basketball, Jacob Heck has guided the Bruins to new heights in program history. During the 2024–25 season, Heck led the team to a 13–16 record, capturing the CAC Tournament Championship as the No. 8 seed and earning the program’s first-ever berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
The 2024–25 campaign also produced a number of individual honors under Heck’s leadership.
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Aundree Polk earned CAC First Team, CAC Tournament MVP, two-time CAC Offensive Player of the Week, NCCAA South Region Player of the Year, and NCCAA Second Team All-American honors.
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Dakota Sampson was named to the CAC All-Tournament Team, earned CAC Defensive Player of the Week, led the NCCAA in blocks, ranked Top 10 nationally in the NAIA, and was recognized as the team’s Champion of Character.
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Heck himself was honored as the NCCAA South Region Coach of the Year for his leadership and impact on the program.
In 2023–24, Heck’s Bruins went 8–16, continuing to develop a competitive foundation within conference play. His inaugural 2022–23 season was a breakout year, as Carolina finished 14–12 overall and 5–4 in conference, advancing to the Regional Tournament semifinals. That season, Micah Cooper was named NCCAA South Region Player of the Year, earned All-American honors, and was recognized as Carolina University Male Athlete of the Year, while the team also produced two NCCAA Scholar Athletes.
Before becoming head coach, Heck served as Associate Head Coach during the most successful season in program history (2021–22). The Bruins posted a 22–7 record, captured their first Regional Championship, and finished third at the National Tournament while ranking #7 nationally. That season, the Bruins were recognized as the top defensive team in the NCCAA, and Heck helped coach Kester Ofoegbu, who earned NCCAA South Region Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors.
A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, Heck holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Middle School Math and Science) and a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Grace University, along with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
As a student-athlete at Grace University (2013–2016), Heck was a two-time regional champion, team captain, and recipient of the Grace Royal Award in 2016, while also earning NCCAA Scholar-Athlete honors.
Heck began his coaching career at Rapid City Central High School as the Head Freshman/Assistant Varsity Coach, later serving at Nebraska Christian College before joining the Carolina University staff.
