Colorado Mesa University Athletics

Jim Heaps is in his 24th season overall at Colorado Mesa, currently serving as the assistant athletic director for student success. He is responsible for the academic success of student-athletes, promoting the athletic department and serving as game administrator.

Prior to accepting his current administrative role, Heaps served as the head men’s basketball coach for 17 season compiling a 297-175 overall record and a 221-111 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. He led the Mavericks to RMAC titles in 2010 and 1999, seven RMAC West Division Titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances. Heaps was also named the RMAC Coach of the Year in 2010 and 1999.

Heaps coached the first CMU men’s basketball player to earn All-America honors in the Div. II era when Mike Dominguez earned the honor in 2010. Dominguez was named Central Region Player of the Year, RMAC Player of the Year and participated in the NABC/DIv. II Elite Eight All-Star Game.

Before taking over as head coach, Heaps served as an assistant for the Mavericks for five seasons under head coach Doug Schakel.

Heaps started his collegiate career at Central Arizona College where he earned all-conference. He then transferred to then Mesa State where he played forward for two seasons before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business. Following graduation he served as an assistant coach for four seasons.

In 1986 he attended Southern Illinois University where he earned his master’s degree in physical education. He then was a physical education teacher and head coach at Canterbury High School in Fort Meyers, Fla., for four years until returning to CMU.

Heaps and his wife Naoma have two daughters.