Mia Heide in action for Duke University.  Photos courtesy of Duke University.

FORMER Duke and Tulane University graduate Mia Heide has been announced as an import for the Penrith Panthers Women’s NBL1 team for the 2024 NBL1 East Basketball season.

Heide turns 24 this month and was a student at Duke University (NCAA) in the 2022-23 season, following four years, and graduation, at Tulane University (also in the NCAA).

Heide’s stats at Tulane featured 81 starts in 118 games played, averaging 4.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. She started in all 31 games for Tulane during the 2021-22 campaign.

In her Senior career, Heide averaged 8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and led the team with 48 blocked shots. She scored a season-high 18 points against Wyoming (11/26) and her 169 Total Blocked Shots ranked her 5th on Tulane’s career list.

In her Junior career, Heide appeared in 26 games and made 23 starts, led the team with 43 blocks and closed the season 2nd on the team with 5.8 rebounds per game.

Whilst at Tulane, Heide earned her Undergraduate Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Marketing.

It’s hoped Mia’s clearance will come through prior to Round 3, when the Panthers face a tough double-header road trip against the Bankstown Bruins and Illawarra Hawks.