Emilee Heynen of Dordt University has been named the GPAC/ Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week.
This is the second time that Heynen has claimed the weekly GPAC honor in her career (Feb.22, 2022) and is the eighth Defender to earn the conference honor on the track during the 2022-23 year.
Heynen, a native of Sioux Center, Iowa and Western Christian High School alum, starred in four events for the Defenders last week. The sophomore won the 800m and clocked an ‘A’ standard time of 2:13.9 (also a personal best) at the USD Monday Meet. Heynen’s time ranks first in the GPAC, 10th in the NAIA.
Heynen followed with outstanding carries on three relays on the Blue Oval at the Drake Relays last weekend. She anchored the Defenders to a second place finish in the 4×800, turning in an NAIA-best time of 9:08.88. Heynen also anchored the 4×400 relay that once again hit the ‘A’ standard and ran a season-best time of 3:50.94. She concluded the week by running the final 800m leg of the Defenders sprint medley that placed eighth overall with a time that ranks among Dordt’s top 10 list.
