They’ve been friends since first grade, high school and club teammates on top teams in the state and teammates at MSU. Now, Laura Heyboer and Jill Flietstra are back together assisting the MSU women’s soccer team.

“They’re proven winners,” head coach Tom Saxton said. “We’re fortunate to have them around and share their experiences and influences.”

After leaving MSU in 2011 with four years under Saxton, Heyboer and Flietstra went on separate paths.

Flietstra, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, decided to come back last season as a volunteer coach, and is spending this season as the director of soccer operations.

“I just can’t get enough of MSU soccer, I love it so much,” Flietstra said. “It’s been basically the biggest parts of my life. It’s going to get my career going, hopefully, and it’s really been a priority for me. I’ve shaped everything else I’ve done around MSU.”

Heyboer, a three-time All-American, decided to take her game to the next level and play professionally.

She was drafted by Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer in 2012, but the league folded soon after. She later signed with the Western New York Flash, who won the inaugural title in the Women’s Premier Soccer League Elite in 2012.

As a member of the Flash this season, Heyboer played in six games, and they appeared in the title game against Portland Thorns FC.

After the title game in late August, Heyboer is back at MSU, volunteering as a coach.

With both Flietstra and Heyboer wanting to pursue college coaching in the future, they said MSU is a great spot to build their resume.

“When Tom gave me the opportunity to come back and help out with the staff and help out with these girls here, it’s too good of an opportunity to say no,” Heyboer said. “Theres no better staff in my eyes than seeing Tom, Tammy and Stacy, and being a part of that and learning from that.”

With both Flietstra and Heyboer having successful careers, the players on this year’s squad recognize the benefits of having accomplished alumni giving back to the program.

“With Laura going on to the professional leagues, she comes back and helps run our drills today, and you know that stuff is what’s actually being implemented,” sophomore midfielder Sarah Kovan said. “You know that’s what’s going to take you to the next level, and that’s cool to have in our program.”

Flietstra and Heyboer already had been playing alongside each other for years when they played for four years at Unity Christian in Hudsonville, Mich.

They even roomed together in college, and continue their friendship on the coaching staff.

“We grew up together, we became really good friends in first grade, so it even goes back even further than high school,” Flietstra said. “She’s always been there and I think we kind of feed off of each other.

“If I’m having trouble thinking of a good drill, I can bounce ideas off her and she can do the same with me. That’s been a big help, especially with her going pro, she can offer me even more advice.”