FRESHMAN (2012): Ward worked as a reserve in the dominant CU defense. She played in 11 games, including three shutouts. She made her first start and played a season-high 99 minutes in the finale against Utah (1-1). She also took three shots, two on goal.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ward played two years of high school soccer at Dakota Ridge before focusing full-time on the Colorado Rush Nike club team. Colorado Rush won four consecutive Colorado State Cup championships. In 2010, they won the Region IV title, which led them to a third place finish at the national competition. Colorado Rush earned several other titles including the Arsenal Cup (2011), the Denver Cup (2011, 2009, 2007), the Rush Cup (2009, 2008) and the Pikes Peak Invitational (2009, 2007). Ward was also a member of four Olympic Development Program state teams. Her ODP team took the Region IV title in 2010 and was a regional finalist in 2011 and semi-finalist in 2009. She also competed in track for Dakota Ridge High School.

IN THE CLASSROOM: Ward is a sociology major at Colorado.

PERSONAL: Her full name is Heather Michelle Ward. She was born January20, 1994 to parents Jack and Michelle Ward. She has one older sibling, Cameron. She was voted Most Likely to go Pro for the 2012 senior class. She was on yearbook staff from 2009-12 and was the editor-in-chief of Student Life 2012. She has helped coach an Under-19 girls' developmental soccer team. She enjoys hanging out with family and friends, playing volleyball, hiking and skiing.