Valmiera's new guard Heidbreder obtains Latvian passport after year-and-a-half process

Jake Heidbreder, the first foreign signing this offseason for Latvian champions Valmiera Glass/Vidzemes Augstskola, became a Latvian citizen in the latter half of last week after receiving a Latvian passport. As a Latvian citizen, the American guard will not count toward the team's legionnaire quota in domestic competition.

Heidbreder's arrival in Valmiera was announced in mid-July, making him the club's first addition of the summer. He signed a 1+1 contract with the team. In college basketball, he played for the Air Force Academy, Clemson University and Fresno State University.

A lengthy path to citizenship

Speaking to Sportacentrs.com, Heidbreder said the idea of obtaining Latvian citizenship first arose during his college years, after a coach told him about an acquaintance who had obtained German citizenship through family lineage. Knowing his own family had European roots, Heidbreder looked into the matter and discovered that his great-grandfather had fled Latvia as a refugee during World War II, later writing a book about the experience. After contacting a lawyer in Riga, he learned that citizenship was indeed attainable. Preparing documents, applications and translations took about a year and a half, but the process was ultimately successful — he has now also received a Latvian personal identity code.

Impressions of Valmiera and Latvia

Heidbreder said Valmiera reminds him of the small American town where he grew up, and that he feels comfortable there. He praised the level of the team and noted that most people in Latvia speak good English, which has made settling in easier. Among Latvian foods, he has tried cold soup and kvass, both of which he enjoyed.