Heino and Stepp are Chosen for USTFCCCA Individual Academic Awards

Heino and Stepp are Chosen for USTFCCCA Individual Academic Awards
July 18, 2023

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University track and field athletes Zoe Heino (Fy., Portland, OR/Mountainside HS) and Whitley Stepp (Fy., Silverton, OR/Regis HS) have been named to the 2023 NCAA Division III All-Academic Women's Track and Field Team as selected by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Student-athletes earned the award through academic and athletic success.

Each All-Academic athlete recorded a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher (4.0 scale) while either competing at the NCAA Division III Championships or by finishing the regular season ranked in the top 50 nationally in an individual event or in the top 35 in a relay event.

The USTFCCCA All-Academic Team for women's track and field included 711 athletes from 165 NCAA Division III institutions. The All-Academic Team in men's track and field included 539 athletes from 138 Division III colleges and universities.

USTFCCCA All-Academic Women's Track and Field Team

Headshot of Zoe Heino Zoe Heino (Fy.) received USTFCCCA All-Academic status as a Biology major at Willamette. She earned a top time of 11:11.84 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase while finishing in second place at the 2023 Northwest Conference Championships, hosted by Willamette at Charles Bowles Track in Salem. Her steeplechase time ranked 44th in the nation in NCAA Division III. She ranked fifth in the West Region in the steeplechase and was named All-West Region.

Heino also registered best times of 2:28.4 in the 800-meter run, 4:51.43 in the 1,500-meter run, and 18:05.19 in the 5,000-meter run. She placed seventh at the NWC Championships in the 1,500.

Headshot of Whitley Stepp Whitley Stepp (Fy.) is majoring in Mathematics. She was tied for 12th in NCAA Division III in the high jump during the regular season. She ranked first in the West Region in the high jump and was chosen All-West Region. Stepp qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the high jump. She cleared 5' 3.25" to place 18th in the nation.

Stepp was successful at a height of at least 5' 3.25" at seven meets during the season. She set a personal record of 5' 6.25" while winning the high jump at the NWC Championships.

NOTE:  The academic year listed for each athlete is for the 2023 season.