BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Women's track & field standout Heidi Heldt has been named the 2026 NAIA Women's Indoor Track & Field Co-National Scholar Track Athlete of the Year, recognizing her outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the track.
Heldt earned the prestigious honor after maintaining a perfect 4.00 cumulative GPA while also winning the NAIA Indoor National Championship in the mile at the 2026 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships.
Her success continued throughout the outdoor season, where she established herself as one of the nation's top distance runners. Heldt entered the NAIA Outdoor National Championships ranked No. 3 nationally in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:26.33 and No. 13 in the 800 meters at 2:12.06.
At the CCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Heldt claimed the conference title in the 1,500 meters while also earning a runner-up finish in the 800 meters, helping lead the Tigers to a strong conference performance.
Heldt closed out the season with another All-American caliber performance at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships. Racing in a highly competitive 1,500-meter final, placing sixth nationally.
The national scholar-athlete honor recognizes student-athletes who excel at the highest level both academically and athletically. Heldt's academic performance, combined with a national championship, conference title, and multiple national-level performances, made her one of the NAIA's most accomplished student-athletes during the 2026 season.
Heldt's recognition adds another national honor to an already remarkable year and reflects the commitment to excellence that defines Olivet Nazarene University's track & field program.
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