Jane attended Bridgewater State College in 1969 when intercollegiate sports for women were first being offered. She took full advantage of the opportunity and participated in basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. After graduation Jane accepted a teaching position in Physical Education and Health at Peabody High School. Her coaching career began as an assistant coach for gymnastics and track at Peabody from 1972-76. In 1977, she became the head coach for the PHS girls' basketball program. In 33 seasons coaching basketball at Peabody, Heil compiled a 528-173 record. Her squads made 27 appearances in the D1 tournament, captured 17 Greater Boston League titles, one Northeastern Conference title, two D1 North titles, and one state title. Her success in coaching was highlighted in 1985 when her team won the Massachusetts Division I State Championship and Jane was named the Boston Globe "Coach of the Year". Jane, who retired from coaching in 2014, was inducted into Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Nov. 23, 2013.