Becca Heitzig, a standout athlete from Lincoln, Illinois, boasts an impressive high school career with four IHSA state titles on the track and another in cross country, alongside receiving WCIA 3’s Female Athlete of the Year Award. Despite these accolades, Heitzig grappled with confidence issues as she transitioned into her college athletic career.
“It’s the imposter syndrome,” Heitzig candidly shared with WCIA. “Surrounded by incredible athletes, competing in races with some of the nation’s best, I often questioned if I belonged there. I doubted if I was good enough to be on that starting line.”
Heitzig began her collegiate journey at Iowa State, where she spent a year and a half. Her tenure there was marked by its ups and downs, leading her to seek a new path following the 2025 cross country season.
Fast forward to now, Heitzig is settling in comfortably at Illinois State track and field, with her performance times reflecting this newfound ease and confidence.
“Having coaches and teammates who believe in you makes a world of difference,” she explained as a sophomore. “This year, I’ve been able to embrace the idea that I belong here. Last year was tough; I often felt out of place on the starting line. Now, thanks to the support around me, I truly feel like I’m where I’m meant to be.”
Heitzig already holds two Redbird program records, clocking 4:14 in the 1500 and 2:46 in the 1K.
“I don’t focus a whole 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.”
She also won a Missouri Valley Conference title indoors in the 800.
“Everyone has life outside of the sport as well,” Heitzig said regarding her and the Redbird program being a good fit. “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.”
“She is certainly one of the most standout performers that we’ve brought to Illinois State in my 20 years here,” Illinois State head track and field coach Jeff Bovee said.