J.D. Heilmann begins his sixth season as one of the Musketeer assistant coaches. His primary responsibility will be Xavier's pitching staff, as well as being the head recruiting coordinator.

Heilmann served as an assistant under former head coach Dan Simonds for the 2005 season and continues to be a crucial part of the Xavier coaching staff. While assisting Simonds, Heilmann's on-field responsibilities included working with the pitchers, as well as bench coach. Recruiting locally and outside of Cincinnati were also major responsibilities given to Heilmann.

In his first season as pitching coach, Heilmann's staff ended the 2005 season with a 4.86 team ERA, which was almost a point lower than the previous season when XU finished with a 5.47 ERA in 2004.

Heilmann joined the Musketeer coaching staff after a brief stint at Division II Northern Kentucky University. While a member of the Norse coaching staff, he was in charge of the development of the pitching staff, as well as assisting in recruiting.

Prior to joining Northern Kentucky, Heilmann was an assistant coach at local Division III power Mount St. Joseph. During his three years at the Mount, he served as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Heilmann played a key role in the Lions' success, which included a Heartland Conference Championship in 2000 and a NCAA Regional runner-up finish that same season. Also that year, one of Heilmann's pitchers, Mike McNutt was a 25th round draft pick of the Florida Marlins.

In addition to his years on the collegiate level, Heilmann spent five summers as both an assistant and head coach in the nationally recognized Midland summer baseball organization. He helped guide his teams to success on the national level, as evidenced by a fourth place finish in 1999 and two second-place finishes in 1997 and 2002.

Heilmann earned a communications degree while completing his eligibility at the University of Cincinnati following a transfer from Ball State. He graduated from Cincinnati's Moeller High School in 1993 after helping the Crusaders capture a State Baseball Championship. While at Moeller, Heilmann earned All-City and All-League honors.

Heilmann, his wife, Raegene, son, Dax, and daughter, Ryley reside in Batavia.