Rachel Heck – standout Stanford ’24 golfer, NCAA Champion and youngest competitor at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open (at just 15 years old!) – was presented with the inaugural ANNIKA Inspiration Award today at The ANNIKA presented by Gainbridge at Pelican.
The ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by the Cleveland Brothers celebrates golfers who are making an impact outside the game. ANNIKA Foundation board member Roberta Bowman was a driving force in the creation of this award. After knowing Heck’s golf resume and hearing her plans for the future, it’s clear Heck fully embodies the award’s qualities.
As a golfer, Heck played in two U.S. Women’s Opens, was a freshman when she became the first Stanford player to win an individual NCAA Championship and signed the first-ever Nike NIL deal. Her caliber of golf is unquestionable.
The world was shocked when Heck announced she wouldn’t be turning professional her senior year at Stanford. It had been her dream since she was three years old, but she found other passions in life to pursue. She began participating in ROTC her freshman year at Stanford and loved it.
Heck saw her injuries in high school and college as an opportunity to reflect on her values, her identity and what truly makes her happy. “ The ups and downs of injuries all athletes know are just part of the sport, and thinking you’re going to get back and then having another setback – it’s just hard mentally more than anything,” said Heck. “I just wanted to be with my teammates, but at the same time, it was a really important part of my life because I think I realized that I don’t need a golf club in my hand to be happy.”
Today, Heck is in the Air Force Reserve and enjoys being part of a team that serves a larger purpose. This career change also made her the perfect candidate for the first ANNIKA Inspiration Award.
“ I was just so excited that they created the award in the first place because I felt super strongly when I didn’t go pro that my story was just beginning and that golf was the foundation of everything that would come after,” said Heck. “It was so special to me that they’re highlighting that golf gives you all the skills you need to go out in the world to do whatever you want to do.”
As the 2021 recipient of the Annika Award, which is given to the best Division 1 female college golfer, Heck has been on Annika Sorenstam’s radar for years. Heck won 6 individual titles as a freshman at Stanford, so she was hard to miss.
Heck said, “ This is just surreal. I mean, part of what’s running through my mind is if you would’ve told 6-year-old golfer Rachel that Annika Sorenstam would know her name one day, that’s pretty unreal.”
Sorenstam and Jay Cleveland presented Heck with the trophy at a women’s leadership summit at The ANNIKA on Veterans Day. Tying her golf experience back into her military career, Heck said, “ I just love it so much. I’m so happy. Golf is such an individual sport and I think I really crave being part of a team, and there’s no other team like the military. I’ve just met the most amazing people and it’s something that I get up every morning and I’m excited to do. I’m so proud to represent the red, white and blue and put on my uniform.”
“[The military] taught me so much,” continued Heck. “It made me feel comfortable putting myself in uncomfortable positions because I didn’t know what I was doing. I had no family in the military. I just wanted to try it, so it’s something I hope little girls who see my story can see that, to just try things. If something in your heart tells you you might like this, just do it. Worst case scenario, you don’t like it and that’s okay.”
As Heck continues to explore her career in the Air Force, it’s clear she’ll also be inspiring girls everywhere as she goes. Her bravery to make tough decisions, her commitment to being happy and living through her values, and her determination to be a team player and contribute to a larger purpose make her the ultimate role model for girls in and out of sports.
“[I shared my story because] I wanted to tell people that it’s okay if you don’t want to go pro. The sport is not the end-all, be-all. It’s a foundation,” said Heck. “ I want young girls to grow up knowing that golf will empower them to do whatever they want to do.”
About the ANNIKA Inspiration Award Trophy
The trophy, designed by Jefrë, has significant symbolism behind it:
The design statement is Rise, Lead and Inspire. The trophy is not merely an award, but it is a sculptural tribute to the extraordinary journey of Annika herself.
The design features – three ascending peaks – each represent a pinnacle in her multifaceted life. A peak of sports, symbolizing her unmatched achievements as one of the greatest golfers in history. The peak of family, honoring her dedication as a mother, a wife and a role model. The peak of business, reflecting her success as an entrepreneur and leader shaping the future of women’s sports. These peaks on the trophy, they all rise together.
