Heike McNeil
- PhD Biochemistry and Exercise Physiology
IECC Certified Endurance Coach - ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Born in Germany and a competitive athlete for most of her life, Heike brings a high level of dedication and expertise to the world of coaching.
Heike holds a PhD in chemistry, her academic journey and research was focused on exercise biochemistry and exercise physiology. Heike discovered a fascination with the unique ways individual physiologies respond to different types of training. This realization sparked a lifelong passion for understanding and optimizing athletic performance.In 2006, Heike started the Cross Country and Distance Track programs at Northwest Christian University and over the next 12 years built one of the premier distance running programs in the NAIA, earning multiple accolades, including a 2015 National Championship.
Heike’s philosophy centers on tailoring training to the unique needs of each athlete, an approach that has delivered consistent success at every level as she combines her scientific expertise with years of coaching experience to help athletes of all levels achieve their goals.
Heike’s journey took a remarkable turn in 2020 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she continued to run and lift weights daily. Thischapter of her life deepened her understanding of adapting training for aging athletes as well as those managing hormonal transitions.
Whether coaching national champions, age group runners, or inspiring individuals to overcome personal challenges, Heike is committed to unlocking every athlete’s potential through science-backed training, personalized support, and unwavering encouragement