River Hill boys soccer star Mike Heitzmann, an All-Metro first-team junior midfielder, has committed to play at Maryland.
A three-year starter, Heitzmann finished his junior season with 12 goals and six assists to lead the Hawks to an 18-0-1 season and the Class 3A state crown.
Heitzmann, who also was named All-State, All-Region and Howard County Player of the Year, played most of the season with a sports hernia, but he remained River Hill's catalyst.
He scored the game's only goal in the Hawks' 1-0 state semifinal win over C. Milton Wright and had an assist when they beat Huntingtown, 2-0, for the title.
Heitzmann's leadership stood out as much as his impressive statistics for the Hawks, who graduated their two unquestioned leaders -- Zach Riso and Jake Turney -- from the year before.
"Mike is a special player who has the ability to dictate and change games," River Hill coach Matt Shagogue said. "It is great that Maryland is able to keep local talent in state and Mike will have a great opportunity to grow as a player, student, and young man."
In his first three seasons, he has totaled 27 goals and 10 assists.