Heather Van Norman is an outstanding former track and field athlete and a highly respected collegiate coach.
Known widely as the mother of NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., Heather has her own impressive story filled with athletic triumphs, leadership, and dedication to mentoring future generations.
Over the years, she has built a reputation as a fierce competitor on the track and a devoted, inspirational coach off it.
Move below to read more about Heather Van Norman.
Who is Heather Van Norman?
Heather Van Norman is a celebrated American sprinter and coach who gained notable acclaim during her collegiate career at Louisiana State University (LSU).
She helped lead LSU’s women’s track and field team to five national championships and earned six All-American titles herself.
After her days as a competitive athlete, Heather became a highly successful coach, shaping track and field programs at universities such as Rice, Georgia Tech, Tulane, and Nicholls State.
Many recognize her as the mother of NFL receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but Heather’s own legacy stands strong through her athletic achievements and commitment to empowering student-athletes.
She also plays an active role as an ambassador for health and wellness initiatives, inspiring others with her resilience, leadership, and passion for sports.
Early Life of Heather Van Norman
Heather Van Norman was born on April 22, 1970, in Minnesota. Growing up, she was surrounded by encouragement to excel both academically and athletically.
Starting her collegiate journey at the University of Minnesota, Heather quickly made a name for herself as a talented sprinter and was named Freshman Track Athlete of the Year.
Seeking to further challenge herself, she transferred to LSU, where her athletic career blossomed.
During her time at LSU, Heather was a powerful force in sprinting events, breaking records and contributing to multiple national titles.
Her early experiences instilled a strong work ethic and competitive spirit that would guide her future career as both athlete and coach.
Minnesota’s support and her family’s encouragement helped shape Heather into the disciplined and driven figure she became.
Heather Van Norman Parents and Siblings
Heather Van Norman’s family background has been mostly kept private, but she credits them for early encouragement in sports and education.
Their support helped develop her competitive and disciplined approach, laying the foundation for her accomplishments as athlete, coach, and mom.
Heather Van Norman Nationality and Ethnicity
Heather Van Norman is an American citizen and proudly identifies as African-American.
Her heritage and experiences influence her advocacy work and leadership in sports, especially encouraging greater opportunities for Black women.
Heather Van Norman Age
Heather Van Norman is currently 55 years old as of 2025 because she came into the world on April 22, 1970.
She has accumulated over three decades of experience and accomplishments spanning from elite athletic competition to distinguished coaching roles.
Heather Van Norman Education
Heather started college at the University of Minnesota, earning honors as a top freshman track athlete.
Midway through her studies, Heather transferred to LSU to pursue higher athletic ambitions.
Though her specific academic major remains private, it is clear she balanced rigorous training and competition with her coursework.
Heather learned from some of the best track coaches in the country and often emphasized academics as a critical element of her student-athletes’ journeys.
Her coaching philosophy continues to highlight education alongside athletic excellence, encouraging young athletes to pursue success in sports and the classroom equally.
What is Heather Van Norman Race?
Heather Van Norman is African-American and has spoken about the importance of representation and empowerment for women of color in athletics and coaching roles.
Collegiate Star Athlete at LSU
Between 1991 and 1993, Heather Van Norman shone as a track sprinter for LSU.
She was a key part of the Lady Tigers team that won five national championships—two indoor and three outdoor titles.
Heather earned six NCAA All-American honors and won three individual NCAA relay championships while helping set American records in the 4×200 meter relay.
Her talents extended to the 400-meter indoor event, where she broke LSU records.
Heather also competed in the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials, showcasing her elite speed on a national stage.
During this peak athletic phase, Heather was training for the Olympic trials when she discovered she was pregnant with Odell Beckham Jr., balancing motherhood and athletic goals with incredible resilience.
Transition to Coaching
Following her competitive career, Heather moved into coaching. She began as an assistant coach at Rice University, guiding a relay team that won the 1997 NCAA Indoor Championship.
Her coaching role at Georgia Tech involved training sprinters and relay teams, with several athletes earning All-American distinctions under her leadership.
Heather’s coaching helped elevate Georgia Tech’s national rankings and athlete performances.
Leadership at Tulane and Nicholls State
In 2002, Heather became the head coach for Tulane University’s cross country and track teams.
Over six years, she led the Green Wave to impressive results including 14 NCAA National Championship appearances and 41 NCAA Regional appearances.
Heather coached numerous conference award winners and fostered a culture of excellence both athletically and academically.
She helped Tulane teams bounce back from challenges such as Hurricane Katrina, which displaced teams and suspended some programs.
Heather’s determination saw her teams improve significantly, earning her recognition like Louisiana Sportswriters Association Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2007.
Later, she took the helm at Nicholls State University, continuing to shape young athletes and encourage academic dedication.
Overcoming Adversity
Heather’s career faced significant testing during the aftermath of Katrina, but her ability to maintain team spirit and focus inspired many.
Balancing coaching duties with family life, Heather continuously provided mentorship and guidance, often reminding athletes to persevere no matter the obstacles.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Today, Heather Van Norman also serves as an ambassador for the Black Women’s Health Imperative with the NFL Players Association and the NFL.
She speaks publicly about wellness, representation, and opportunity. Her motivational talks emphasize discipline, faith, and resilience, reaching far beyond the track.
Heather continues to mentor athletes, especially women, pushing for diversity and inclusion in sports leadership.
What Did Heather Van Norman Do?
Heather Van Norman was a top-tier track athlete and LSU All-American who later became a successful collegiate coach.
She competed at the 1992 Olympic Trials, broke records, and won multiple NCAA titles.
Her coaching career spans Rice, Georgia Tech, Tulane, and Nicholls State, consistently producing winning teams and nurturing academic success among athletes.
What is Heather Van Norman Known For?
Heather Van Norman is known for her remarkable speed and relay achievements at LSU, her championship-winning coaching leadership, and as the guiding force in the life of Odell Beckham Jr.
Her blend of athletic excellence and mentorship defines her legacy in collegiate sports and beyond.
Does Heather Van Norman Have Social Media?
Heather Van Norman is active on Instagram, using her platform to share moments from family life, coaching updates, and motivational messages.
She connects with fans, athletes, and the wider sports community to inspire and support others.
Heather Van Norman Husband
Heather Van Norman is married to Derek Mills. He is a distinguished former track and field athlete who won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of the United States 4×400 meter relay team.
Their relationship is built on a shared passion for athletics, discipline, and mentoring young people, which has deepened their bond over the years.
Although details about their wedding ceremony are relatively private, it is known that they reside together in New Orleans with a strong partnership rooted in mutual respect and support.
Derek background as an elite athlete and later a coach complements Heather’s own journey as a top collegiate sprinter and respected coach.
Their love story reflects a natural connection formed through common experiences in competitive sports and a dedication to family.
Their shared commitment to fostering athletic excellence and personal growth creates a foundation of teamwork in both their marriage and family life.
Together, they balance professional aspirations with nurturing a warm home environment.
Previous Relationships
Before marrying Derek Mills, Heather Van Norman was in a relationship with Odell Beckham Sr., a former collegiate football player at Louisiana State University.
Together, they had their son, Odell Beckham Jr., born in 1992.
Although Heather and Odell Sr. eventually separated, they remained committed parents, supporting Odell Jr.’s remarkable football career.
Despite the separation, both continued to play important roles in their son’s life and crossed paths as co-parents.
The relationship between Heather and Odell Sr. set the foundation for a family dedicated to sports and discipline, creating an environment where Odell Jr. could thrive.
Heather later met and married Derek Mills, expanding her family with new love and support.
While Heather has mostly kept her personal life private outside of these relationships, her dedication to family and resilience through changing dynamics have been evident.
Heather Van Norman Children
Heather Van Norman is a proud mother of three children, each pursuing their own paths with her steadfast support.
Her eldest son, Odell Beckham Jr., is a well-known NFL wide receiver celebrated for his spectacular athleticism and dynamic play style.
Odell’s biological father is Odell Beckham Sr., and Heather has played an essential role in guiding him through the pressures of professional sports and life, emphasizing character and faith alongside talent.
Odell now has a son named Zydn, making Heather a doting grandmother. Heather’s son Kordell Beckham, also from her relationship with Odell Sr., has carved out his own unique path.
Kordell gained public attention through reality TV, including his appearance on Love Island USA season 6 in 2024, and is known for his modeling and social media presence.
Although his lifestyle is different from Odell Jr.’s, their sibling bond remains strong and supported by Heather’s nurturing guidance.
Her youngest child, Jasmyne Mills, is from Heather’s marriage to Derek Mills.
Born in 2002, Jasmyne has taken a more academic and creative route, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Business from Arizona State University in 2024.
Jasmyne’s accomplishments highlight the family’s commitment not only to athletic success but to educational and personal growth.
Together, Heather’s children reflect a diverse blend of athletic achievement, creative talent, and public presence, unified by their mother’s deep support and encouragement.
Heather Van Norman Net Worth
Heather Van Norman is estimated to have a net worth of $2 million USD as of 2025.
Her income comes from coaching positions at major universities, public speaking engagements, ambassador roles, and investments.
Her financial standing reflects decades of dedication in collegiate athletics and leadership roles.
Heather Van Norman Height and Weight
Heather Van Norman stands about 5 feet 5 inches which is equal to 165 centimeters or 1.65 meters tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds which is equal to 59 kilograms.
Her athletic physique complements her years of sprint training and coaching activities.
Heather has brown eyes and light brown or blonde hair, maintaining a presence of strength, grace, and discipline.
Bottom Line
In the Bottom line, Heather Van Norman journey is a powerful example of dedication, resilience, and leadership.
From breaking records as a sprinter to coaching future champions, she shows how commitment and faith can lead to lasting success.
Her role as a mother, mentor, and coach reminds us that guiding others with care and strength can shape enduring legacies.
Heather teaches that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance and that lifting others up is as important as personal achievement.
Readers can draw inspiration from her passion and leadership as they pursue their own goals. Put your thoughts below in the comment section.
Must Read: Odell Beckham Jr. Biography
