In just a year, Jane Hedengren has burst onto the collegiate running scene as one of America’s brightest young stars. Racing for Brigham Young University (BYU), the 19-year-old phenom has already claimed multiple NCAA titles and shattered high school records, cementing her place among the nation’s elite middle- and long-distance runners.
How Jane Hedengren Became a BYU Track Star
Before joining BYU, Hedengren competed for Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. There, she became one of the most decorated U.S. high school distance runners, winning accolades such as the Nike Cross Nationals and Nike Outdoor Nationals, and being named the 2024–25 Gatorade National Girls Player of the Year.
During her final seasons at Timpview, Hedengren broke nine national high school records across indoor and outdoor events, becoming the fastest in the indoor mile, outdoor mile, indoor and outdoor 5000m, and outdoor 3000m. This put her on the map, with many universities seeking her signature.
Choosing BYU as her next stage, Hedengren made a statement in her collegiate debut at the Pre-Nationals meet on Oct. 17, 2025, where she shattered the course record in the 6K cross-country race. She kept the momentum going, claiming second place at the 2025 NCAA Cross-Country Championships, just steps behind Alabama’s Doris Lemngole.
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This year, Hedengren reached new heights by capturing her first NCAA individual title in the indoor 5000m with a blazing 15:00.12, making history as the first freshman to achieve this feat. The next day, she won the NCAA indoor 3000m, becoming the first BYU woman to claim two individual titles at a single NCAA Championships. She then ran 30:46.80 in the women’s 10,000m at the Stanford Invitational, breaking the collegiate record and eclipsing Parker Valby’s previous mark of 30:50.43, marking her 10,000m debut in the best way possible.
Jane Hedengren on Winning the NCAA 5000m Title
Hedengren’s trophy case continues to grow, with multiple All-American honors and Big 12 accolades already making her one of the most celebrated athletes in BYU’s storied history.
After winning the NCAA 5000m indoor title, Hedengren made her feelings known on her victory, stating:
“Feels great. Just really grateful. Gratitude starting this race and joy through the middle stages of the race and a lot of gratitude and joy at the end. It just feels really special to be here with my team, and I’m proud of the way I was able to learn a decent amount this season and I’m continuing to learn. There’s so much to learn. Just grateful with my approach and having some great people around me.”
Guided by head coach Diljeet Taylor, Hedengren continues to hone her craft, earning high praise for her dominance and relentless drive.
