ORLANDO, Fla. — Announced on Wednesday morning by the ANNIKA Foundation, former Stanford women’s golf great Rachel Heck was named the inaugural recipient of the ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by the Cleveland Brothers.
The ANNIKA Inspiration Award was developed to recognize women who are making a meaningful impact in areas such as civil service, education, social advocacy, entrepreneurship, mental health, arts, sports, or environmental activism, to name a few examples. Recipients are selected not only for their excellence in performance, but for their commitment to creating a legacy of empowerment, transformation, and positive change.
Heck spoke with members of the media during a conference call on Wednesday morning and gave a lot of credit to Margot and Mitch Milias Director of Women’s Golf, Anne Walker.
“Coach Walker has done more for me than anyone could possibly realize,” she explained. “I remember my senior year of high school, I talked to her about the idea of doing ROTC, knowing she’d probably shut it down, like most golf coaches probably would. She was so supportive and by my side through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At every single point throughout the process, she wanted me, Rachel, the human being, to be happy.”
Heck is one of the most decorated individuals to golf at Stanford. She was the program’s first individual NCAA champion in 2021, doing so as a freshman. She was part of two NCAA team championships for the Cardinal and is tied for second in program history with nine collegiate wins. She was Stanford’s first recipient of the ANNIKA Award in 2021 and earned a host of awards that year, including the Ping/WGCA Player of the Year and the Honda Award. Heck graduated from Stanford in 2024 with a degree in political science.
Not only did Heck talk about Coach Walker, but she also shared what made Stanford the place to be throughout her collegiate journey.
“The Stanford community is so special. When I first visited campus, I was so drawn to it because there was an energy there. Everyone is so passionate about what they do…you can ask any Stanford student, and everyone has their thing they are passionate about. It’s inspiring and motivating to be around.”
After graduation, she completed her public affairs course at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) and completed assignments so far at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Travis Air Force Base, and Hurlburt Field. She now lives in New York City, working in private equity.
Choosing not to pursue a professional golf career, Heck instead committed herself to a dual path in the Air Force and helping others—decisions that reflect the resilience, vision, and service-oriented spirit at the heart of the ANNIKA Inspiration Award.
For more information on the ANNIKA Inspiration Award and the ANNIKA Foundation’s mission to develop, empower, and advance young women around the world through golf and in life, visit annikafoundation.org.
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