09/01/2026
Once a Topper, always a Topper!
Today, we’re catching up with Darin Heatherington, a 2016 graduate of our B.A. Health & Physical Education program and a 2018 graduate of our M.A.Ed. Sports Leadership & Coaching program!
Darin is now a Health Educator at Harding Middle School and an Assistant Baseball Coach at Steubenville High School in Steubenville, Ohio.
Here’s what Darin had to say about his journey from WLU to the classroom and the baseball field:
What inspired you to become an educator?
“My inspiration to become an educator came from my Dad and his colleagues. He spent 45 years as an educator, coach, and athletic director in Steubenville, Ohio. Growing up it never felt like I was just attending Steubenville City Schools, it was really apart of our family dynamic. When you grow up in a school district like that and you’re surrounded by great educators, coaches, and staff it really inspired me to pursue this career path.”
How did WLU help shape your journey?
“It takes a village to help guide, shape, and push students to succeed and WLU was that village for me. 3 specific mentors come to mind.
Kathleen Wack who was my undergraduate supervisor. Her guidance in the classroom and as a supervisor definitely helped build my confidence that I was on the right career path during my undergraduate years at WLU.
Dr. Cathy Monteroso who was my graduate studies supervisor. Her leadership and guidance during graduate school helped build on to the foundation that was already put in place.
Coach Eric Burkle who I played for and coached with during my time at WLU. He gave me an opportunity to continue and finish out my baseball career at West Liberty, and he was a big factor in pursuing a master’s degree while starting my coach career as a graduate assistant. His guidance and mentorship has helped continue my coaching career to this day.”
What advice does Darin have for current WLU students?
“My advice for current WLU students is to trust the process. It’s not always going to be easy there will be ups and downs, but if you trust yourself, trust your support, and trust the process you’ll make it to your goals.”
Favorite WLU memory?
“My favorite memory at WLU was baseball. The practices, the games, the away road trips with my teammates. The conference tournament trips.”
A message for WLU:
“West Liberty University really became a second home for me and I have the professors, mentors, coaches, teammates, and friends I’ve made up there to thank for that. Go Toppers!”
Thank you, Darin, for sharing your story and for continuing to make a difference in the lives of students and athletes!
Want to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight? Click the link below and share your story, your WLU experience, and where your journey has taken
you!
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