Many athletes struggle with the transition from high school to NCAA competition. Even people who shattered records as teenagers often find it challenging to go from winning nearly every race to blending into the middle of the pack at the collegiate level.

But Jane Hedengren seems to have figured it out.  

Shattering nine high school records during her career—from the mile up to the 5k—and running under 15 minutes in the 5k as a high schooler, Jane Hedengren was already in a league of her own.  But her dominance didn’t end in high school. As a college freshman at BYU, she proved that she isn't just ready to compete at the front of the NCAA pack, she’s ready to lead it. 

Hedengren opened her collegiate career with three straight victories in cross country, dominating Pre-Nationals, the Big 12 Championship, and NCAA Regionals. In each race she took control from the gun, quickly breaking away and opening a massive gap on the field. Nationals brought her first runner-up finish, where she matched Alabama’s Doris Lemngole, this summer’s World Championship steeplechase finalist, stride for stride until the final 600 meters. 

And this weekend at Boston University, Hedengren showcased her talent one more time in 2025, taking the win of the 5000-meter race and shattering the NCAA indoor record in an outstanding 14:44. 

Reflecting just after the race, Hedengren said that “This season, there’s been a lot of growth, and I think there’s still so much to build on, lots of gratitude approaching this race and this season, and I’m excited to keep working.” She’s grateful of the support system she found at BYU, including the support of both teammates and professional runners that help her accomplish the most productive kind of training for her. 

Coached by Diljeet Taylor at BYU, whose mantra is “Believe in HER,” Hedengren quickly blended into the program and embraced its core philosophy.

“Believe in HER” is the guiding mindset of BYU’s women’s cross-country team. It’s a reminder through training and competition that every athlete is capable of greatness when she trusts her own potential and when her teammates believe in her just as strongly. This season, Hedengren has embraced that message, showing exactly what can be achieved through complete commitment and confidence in her own potential. 

“This season, there’s been a lot of growth, and I think there’s still so much to build on, lots of gratitude approaching this race and this season, and I’m excited to keep working”

Jane Hedengren

In fact, during her interviews before and after the NCAA XC Championships, she displayed a remarkably positive mindset and an eagerness to learn from every race. She emphasizes enjoying each moment with her teammates and always trying to “put the best possible version of herself out there.” To Hedengren, the most special part of racing is collective belief within the team and the shared understanding that their goals may be closer than they seem.

Because success begins with belief—in yourself and in your teammates. Guided by the “Believe in HER” philosophy, Hedengren is unsurprisingly proving to be quite a force to be reckoned with on the collegiate circuit.