It’s hard to find someone on the basketball court talking more than UAlbany’s Grace Heeps.

“That’s the way I feel like I can reach my teammates,” Heeps said. “Some people lead by example. Some people lead by showing or telling. And I think my way is by communicating to others.”

Whether it’s picking someone up or holding someone accountable, the senior guard says she is always striving to get the best out of her teammates.

“Just really understanding how to get to people,” she said. “And relationship is really the biggest part of, I feel like, success in a team culture, as well as the team’s overall success.”

Three years of developing bonds and hard work with the Great Danes has led Heeps to a captaincy this season. While her scoring numbers aren’t eye popping, Heeps registering the most minutes per game on the team shows the importance of her defense and leadership on the court.

“Now is the time to give that extra effort, and having leaders to remind us and support the players is key,” said head coach Colleen Mullen.

Mullen says having captains like Heeps leading this time of year is crucial.

“You have to be able to now finish strong, level up, and we have to have a push because we’re so close,” Mullen said.

For Heeps, the East Greenbush native, transferring from the University of Massachusetts to play closer to home, and in front of family, has really motivated her these last few seasons.

“That’s the biggest thing. Playing for not only my family, but also myself and my younger self because those little girls in the seats are going to be in our shoes one day,” Heeps said. “So kind of giving them the confidence that they can reach their goals if they put in the hard work and time.”

With March and the America East tournament fast approaching, Heeps is pushing herself and teammates to play their best basketball now, with one goal in mind: get back to the NCAA tournament.

“Overall, just executing a full game plan for 40 minutes,” she said. “And I think everyone has bought into that, and everyone has bought into our overall goal. So we’re all bought into every individual game here on out.”