Brigham Young University narrowly missed out on the 2025 NCAA Mountain Regional team title. Even though BYU ranks number one nationally, the team was only two points behind New Mexico, which scored 45 points. But the spotlight was stolen by a 19-year-old BYU freshman. Even the coach, Diljeet Taylor, had his eyes set on arguably the fastest freshman at the University. And she’s none other than Jane Hedengren. 

Hedengren won the NCAA Mountain Regional meet in 19:06:6, but it wasn’t just a simple win. Pamela Kosgei, the runner who came in second, was 42 seconds behind her. Hedengren’s performance ensured that the BYU automatically qualified for the upcoming week’s championship. Needless to say, Coach Taylor had his focus on his prodigy. Talking about the race, he said, “It probably felt harder and not as rhythmic as maybe some of her races because just the pacing was a little bit different. It was kind of windy out there, and we’re at altitudes so things are going to feel a little bit harder. But I was pleased with just a good, hard effort eight days out.”

It’s worth noting that this was Hedengren’s third race in her collegiate career. In her debut race at the Pre-National Invitational, she set a course record by running 6000m in 18:42:30. That’s 25 seconds faster than the previous record. Her next 6000m run at Big 12 was another milestone, with her clocking in at 18:29:6. And now, with another win, she ensured her spot in the top-tier runners. Taylor acknowledged her and said, “She is one of one. I talk about her being, instead of a generational talent, a Jane-rational talent, and that’s true. She’s proving that week in, week out.”

Hedengren’s dominance at the collegiate level has already begun turning heads nationally, drawing recognition from prominent coaches and analysts who see her as the next major force in American distance running.

Jane Hedengren: An “Elite Prospect” 

Hedengren has already shattered the national high school records in 5000m and the mile. Jaimie Ribera, the Timpview High School track coach, claimed that Hedengren has done everything to prove that she’s actually the best long-distance runner. With all the hype rising around her, even David Robinson, popularly known as Coach Rob, had to acknowledge the BYU freshman through his YouTube talk show.  

Coach Rob shared that he did not expect a top notch performance in her first race. He considers her as one of the best runners of all time. “Coming out of her junior season, she might be one of those truly elite prospects,” he said.

Jane Hedengren has also won the 2025 Deseret News Female Athlete of the Year, the Gatorade National Girls Track and Field and Cross Country Player of the Year, and the ESPY Female High School Player of the Year. Following her ESPY win, Hedengren claimed that the year brought more accolades than she initially anticipated. And staying humble, she simply declared that she was grateful to be able to stay healthy and enjoy the process throughout the year. 

But now, with more wins and broken records in her wake, we might get to witness a stronger stance in the future. But what do you think about her recent win?