The Julie K. Heidecke Foundation hosted their annual camp for kids at Central in memory of the former Hinsdale Central student who died at the age of 19 in a car accident.

Heidecke was captain of the girls varsity soccer team and also played on the freshman team at Illinois State University.  During her high school career, her classmates chose her as the “nicest girl.”

The foundation raised $296, with over 30 participants.  The girls varsity soccer team and the women’s soccer team from Illinois State University helped with the camp by playing soccer with groups of kids at various stations. The Heidecke family also raises money throughout the year, with donations that people send to their home.  The money goes towards a scholarship fund, which a student is rewarded with at the end of the year.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the game and help younger kids aspire to be better players,” said Jim Schneidernahn, assistant soccer coach for Illinois State.

Darby Moran, senior, believes the camp is a way to encourage the children to play soccer, but to do it in a motivating way.

“We really try to have a good time and enjoy the game.  Stay active, while having fun,” Moran said.  The camp’s activities consisted of scrimmaging, playing sharks and minnows, passing drills, and anything high-energy.  “[The most rewarding thing], is seeing all the smiles on these children,” said Mrs. Richard Heidecke, Julie’s father.

Not only do the children benefit from the camp, but the older girls also are benefited. “We see this as an opportunity for the Hinsdale Central girls to interact with younger children in the community, but at the same time make donations that go to a great cause,” said Mr. Michael Smith, head girls soccer coach.

Schneidernahn agreed that this was a way to involve the ISU athletes with children, but it also was a way to show players what it means to be a college player.

“It helps the kids remember at the end of the day why the game is fun and is an opportunity to rediscover the passion,” Schneidernahn said.

“The girls have a lot of fun.  It serves as a tribute to our daughter Julie who is always with us,”  Heidecke said.