ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced the induction of Anne (Hafeli) Hetzel into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor as a member of the Class of 2026, honoring one of the most accomplished players in Golden Grizzlies women's basketball history.
A native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Hetzel competed for Oakland from 2002-06 and later returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach from 2009-13. During her playing career, she helped lead the Golden Grizzlies through one of the most successful eras in program history while establishing herself as one of Oakland's most reliable and efficient scorers.
Hetzel finished her career ranked 13th in program history in points with 1,469 and averaged double figures in scoring in all four seasons, including at least 14 points per game in each of her final two years. Her most productive season came in 2004-05, when she averaged a career-best 14.7 points per game and earned Mid-Continent Conference All-League First Team honors. She followed with Mid-Con All-League Second Team honors and was named Conference Tournament MVP in 2006. She also stood out off the court, earning Conference Honor Roll recognition three times, and was named the Hollie L. Lepley Senior Scholar-Athlete Award winner, and was nominated by the Mid-Continent Conference as its candidate for NCAA Woman of the Year.
Known for her shooting consistency, Hetzel ranks second all-time in program history in free throw percentage (.852) and never shot below .840 from the line in a single season. From three-point range, she ranks second all-time in career three-pointers made (235) and attempted (633). She drained 83 three-pointers during the 2004-05 season, the sixth-most in a single season in program history, and followed that performance with 71 triples in 2005-06, the 10th-most all time. Her .417 three-point shooting percentage in 2004-05 remains the 10th-highest single-season mark in program history.
Hetzel was a key contributor to Oakland's 2006 conference tournament championship team that earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
"One of the best memories from my time at Oakland was our team's tournament run in 2006 when we won it all and made it to the big dance," Hetzel said.
She also cited a road win over Michigan during her junior season as another standout moment.
"I grew up going to a lot of Michigan football games with my dad, and it's where I saw my first college game, so winning there was pretty special," she said.
Hetzel said her decision to attend Oakland was driven by the belief and culture surrounding the program.
"I chose Oakland because I felt that they believed in me and wanted me to play for OU," Hetzel said. "I really felt that I could make a positive impact playing at Oakland, and the program had a track record of success and consistently competed against top teams."
Reflecting on her induction, Hetzel emphasized the relationships and values formed during her time as a Golden Grizzly.
"Basketball is the best! The joy, the competition, the way it can bring us together," Hetzel said. "I am blessed to have been around so many impactful leaders and teammates who supported me and held me accountable. I am grateful to have been included in the Oakland Hall of Honor for 2026, and I can't wait to celebrate with my teammates and coaches."
Following her playing career, Hetzel worked as a mortgage banker, served as an assistant coach for the Oakland women's basketball program, and spent time in the Oakland Athletics Department. She later earned her Master of Business Administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She, her husband, Steve, and their children Aden, Selah and Jackie, have since moved around the country as he has worked as an NBA assistant coach, while Hetzel has remained involved in coaching her children's teams and volunteering.
"I am beyond grateful to have been included in Oakland Hall of Honor for 2026. I can't wait to see my teammates and coaches and look forward to celebrating," said Hetzel. "I want to thank my mom for always being an enthusiastic fan for my siblings and I. Thank you to my dad for sharing his love of the game with me and for believing in the best of me… Al Must, Jason Summerfield, Mr. Fedio, Mr. Drogosch, Mrs. Vasile, Coach Ann, Coach Pat, and Coach Gary French. Thank you also to the Lahser crew, Dr. Russi, Katie Wolfe, and to the late Glenn Macintosh for always challenging us to bring our best. These people, and so many more, made a world of difference in my life."
The Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor recognizes the most accomplished student-athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors in Oakland Athletics history. Hetzel's induction celebrates both her on-court excellence and her lasting impact on the Golden Grizzlies women's basketball program.
Hetzel will be officially inducted at the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.
