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Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA

Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA

Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA

Heart, hoops, hope

Junior+Tyler+Vandenheuvel+leads+his+team+with+a+19.2+points-per-game+average.+Vandenheuvel+has+been+playing+basketball+as+long+as+he+can+remember.+%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s+just+a+sport+that+I+have+a+passion+for%2C%E2%80%9D+Vandenheuvel+said.
Junior Tyler Vandenheuvel leads his team with a 19.2 points-per-game average. Vandenheuvel has been playing basketball as long as he can remember. “It’s just a sport that I have a passion for,” Vandenheuvel said.

One can expect a few things when attending an Albert Lea High School boys’ basketball game. There will be copious amounts of school spirit, some sweaty players, and junior Tyler Vandenheuvel raining three-pointers from all corners of the gym.

Vandenheuvel has been a well known presence in Albert Lea sports in recent years. He is involved in both soccer and basketball, playing on the varsity squad in both sports. Basketball, however, is his favorite. However, Vandenheuvel doesn’t find his identity in basketball.

“It’s just a sport that I have a passion for,” Vandenheuvel said.

Vandenheuvel has been playing basketball as long as he could walk. His father, Tom Vandenheuvel, was the one who first started him in the sport.

“Whenever I’ve had tough games, he’s kept me going,” Vandenheuvel said. “He’s pushed me to work hard.”

Most people are familiar with Vandenheuvel’s famous three-point shots.

“It makes me feel like I’m contributing [when I make a three-point shot],” Vandenheuvel said.

His teammates also admire his skill in making the long shots.

“It’s really consistent. He has unbelievable form,” said senior Dylan See-Rockers, teammate of Vandenheuvel.

Vandenheuvel wants to be a team player. Teamwork is the most important aspect of the game to him. He doesn’t want to be perceived as “carrying the team on his back,” he wants to be seen as a contributor to the team as a whole.

“He’s really positive, works hard and is a good person to be around,” See-Rockers said. “He makes you want to get better and work hard. He’s a good motivator.”

Vandenheuvel’s best basketball memory is shooting free throws at the Target Center. He entered a free-throw contest in elementary school, with a lot of support from his school community. Vandenheuvel placed first in the state in this free throw competition.

Vandenheuvel wants to play basketball after high school.

“I want to play basketball in college, but I’m not fully decided, though,” Vandenheuvel said.

Vandenheuvel, while playing basketball in college, hopes to be studying to be a worship pastor. Vandenheuvel’s passion outside of basketball is music and worship ministry. Vandenheuvel defines worship as “surrender to God.”

Currently, Vandenheuvel attends Crossroads Church and leads worship at the church’s youth program Crossroads Student Impact, or CSI.

“He’s really passionate about [his faith],” See-Rockers said.

Vandenheuvel’s faith impacts every part of his life, including his friendships.

“He’s been there for me in the good times and the bad,” said junior Preston Smith.

Smith and Vandenheuvel maintain a close friendship and have known each other since childhood.

“He’s an athletic dude who gives glory to God,” Smith said.

Vandenheuvel is also dedicated to improving in basketball. He attempts to practice consistently in the off-season.

“I try to shoot most days, when I can,” Vandenheuvel said.

Vandenheuvel has a specific routine for getting pumped up for games but most of it consists of listening to Gospel Rap, like Lecrae, Trip Lee, KB and his favorite, Andy Mineo.

Vandenheuvel can be seen on the court most Tuesdays and Thursdays making three-point shots and enjoying one of his greatest passions. Watch him, however, knowing that this is certainly not his only passion.

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