NEW ORLEANS – Jane Hedengren was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year after her indoor season performance, the organization announced Monday afternoon.
Hedengren won two national titles at the NCAA National Championships, claiming the 3000-meter and 5000m crowns. The true freshman set a championship record of 15:00.12 in the 5000m, finishing ahead of defending champion Alabama’s Doris Lemngole, and added an 8:36.31 in the 3000m, crossing the line more than seven seconds ahead of the field.
The Provo, Utah product set the NCAA record in the 5000m on Dec. 6, 2025, clocking 14:44.79 in her first collegiate indoor race. She later ran the second-fastest 3000m in NCAA history at the 118th Millrose Games, finishing in 8:34.98, and capped her non-conference season with the third-fastest mile in NCAA history at 4:22.22.
At the Big 12 Championships, Hedengren won the 3000m and finished runner-up in the mile, scoring 18 points to help the Cougars earn a team runner-up finish.
This marks the first time a BYU athlete has received the USTFCCCA national honor for track & field.
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches following the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Performances from both the NCAA Championships and the regular season were considered. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.