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Read the storyJordan Earns Unprecedented AwardIn 2021, Rebecca Heuler held a javelin for the first time. In 2024, she went to nationals for Division III Track and Field, won the national title for women’s javelin, and broke Brockport’s school record for the furthest javelin throw — all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
“I’ve always been one of those people that if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it to my full capacity. And school is one of those things,” Heuler said.
To top it off, Heuler, a physical education major, was named NCAA Division III Women’s National Scholar Field Athlete of the Year for both her athletic and academic accomplishments.
Heuler’s collegiate athletic experience began as a volleyball player at SUNY Delhi. She had experience in high school as a discus thrower. When then-track coach Rob Munro overheard her talking about her track and field experience, he immediately offered her a spot on his team as a thrower. He wanted her to throw javelin as well, despite having never tried it, due to it using the same overhead motion as volleyball.
“My first time throwing [javelin], he looked me in the eye and told me that I was going to be the conference champion. I was like, ‘You’re lying to me.’” Heuler said.
“He looked me in the eye and told me that I was going to be the conference champion.”
Rebecca Heuler
In her first season throwing javelin, Heuler won the conference championship meet, broke the SUNY Delhi school record, and qualified for nationals. When it came time to transfer to a four-year institution, her coach Zach Brown — a Brockport alum and an All-American — urged her to transfer to Brockport and train under Coach Ed Jaskulski.
“He was so sure that this is where I needed to be,” Heuler said. “Coach Ed promised me that I’d be an All-American and a national champion. I didn’t believe him, but he kept his promise.”
At Brockport, Heuler’s entire student-athlete experience shifted. Previously, she was one of only two throwers on her track team, and her coaches had little experience in throwing events. Now, she had a whole team of throwers to train with, a full practice and lifting plan, and coaches with expertise in throwing.
“Every aspect of being an athlete has changed for me since coming to Brockport,” Heuler said. “I’ve become stronger, I’ve become a better teammate, and just looking at my stats, I’ve improved in every single throwing event.”
“Every aspect of being an athlete has changed for me since coming to Brockport.”
Rebecca Heuler
When it came time for nationals, Heuler was more prepared than ever before.
“Out of the three national meets I’ve been to, I honestly felt the calmest at this one,” Heuler said. “I wasn’t nervous. After my warmup, my coach looked at me and he was like, ‘do you feel good?’ I told him I was ready to go.”
“On my very last throw, my coach looked at me and said, ‘Are you having fun?’ and I said ‘Yeah, this is a great experience.’ and he said, ‘Okay, blow your arm out. You’ve done everything except that. Just throw it.’”
Prior to her most recent nationals, Heuler’s record was 44.39 meters. Her second-to-last throw was a personal best of 45.19. In her final throw, she threw a 47.35, winning her the title of national champion.
About a week later, Heuler found out that her foot was broken — and had been for most of the season. This only made her more confident that she can break her own record next season once she’s fully healed.
“I think I could definitely throw further. I’m honestly really hoping to hit 50 meters” Heuler said. “Even though my name is on the school record board, I’d like to break it again.”
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