In the world of college track and field, some athletes are born to break records—and Lincoln native Becca Heitzig is proving just that. The former four-time IHSA state champion on the track and one-time cross country titlist, who also earned WCIA 3’s Female Athlete of the Year honors, has found her stride at Illinois State University. But her journey to the top wasn't without its hurdles.
“It’s just the imposter syndrome,” Heitzig admitted. “You are around all these great athletes. You’re in these races with people who are good in the nation. You look at them, you’re like ‘I don’t think I’m supposed to be on this line.’ Like, you don’t feel good enough.”
After spending her first 1.5 college years at Iowa State, where she experienced both highs and lows, Heitzig made a pivotal decision following the 2025 cross country season: a fresh start. Now just five months into her tenure with the Illinois State Redbirds, the sophomore is not only feeling more confident—she’s rewriting the record books.
“I think just having coaches and people that believe in you, and knowing that you can do great things,” she explained. “You’re meant to be there. Everyone has helped me to believe that this year. Last year it was really hard, I didn’t feel like I belonged on that line.”
That newfound belief has translated into blistering times. Heitzig already holds two Redbird program records: a 4:14 in the 1500 meters and a 2:46 in the 1,000 meters. She also captured a Missouri Valley Conference indoor title in the 800 meters, showcasing her versatility across multiple distances.
“I don’t focus a whole lot on the school record,” she said. “I kind of just focus on doing my best. The coaches don’t put a whole lot of pressure on me. They believe in me a lot, but they just want me to go out there and run my own race. I think I have really good training partners here and we push each other in workouts, and that has really helped. Making sure my identity is not in the sport and just kind of going out and having fun has helped with my success.”
For Heitzig, the key to her resurgence lies in balance. “Everyone has life outside of the sport as well,” she noted. “I think that’s important—to be involved in a small group, or be involved somewhere on campus. That’s also important, not just running.”
Illinois State’s director of track and field couldn’t agree more. “She is certainly one of the most standout performers that we’ve brought to Illinois State in my 20 years here,” he said, a testament to Heitzig’s incredible impact in such a short time.
As the outdoor season heats up, all eyes are on this Redbird standout who turned doubt into dominance—and is just getting started.