Lockport’s Claudia Heeney has developed an interest in the science behind what makes an athlete great. She already has some inside knowledge in that department.
After all, she’s a three-time state champion.
But Heeney wants to learn more about the mental side of things. She plans to major in sports psychology at Menlo College in California, where she will continue her wrestling career.
“I’ve had some coaches who maybe didn’t say the right things to me or would put me down and they didn’t necessarily realize it,” Heeney said. “That itself pushed me toward a psychology major because I want to learn what to say and what not to say to athletes.
“I want to know how an athlete’s mind actually works and what can help others perform to the best of their abilities.”
Heeney — the 2025-26 Daily Southtown Girls Wrestler of the Year, earning that honor for the third consecutive season — is choosing her educational path with the aim of eventually becoming a wrestling coach.
“I definitely want to focus on my wrestling career first, but down the line, I’d definitely love to give back to the sport,” she said. “It’s done so much for me in my life, and I want to help other people be successful and have good opportunities in life.”
But first Heeney plans to build off a highly successful high school career that saw her become one of the dominant forces of the early years of girls wrestling as an Illinois High School Association sport.
After finishing as a state runner-up as a freshman, Heeney rolled to three straight titles. She capped her brilliant career last month by winning all of her matches at state by either pin or technical fall to take the 135-pound championship with a 42-3 record.
Amier Khamis, in his first year as Lockport’s coach, was certainly impressed watching Heeney up close.
“I could go on all day about the technique she has and the mental toughness she has, but the best thing is the leadership she’s given to the team,” Khamis said. “I’ll never forget a kid like Claudia.
“I think this is just the tip of the iceberg for her. I think she’s going to accomplish so much more, and I can’t wait to watch her.”
Heeney has been the main building block for the Porters, who finished second in the state as a team for the second time in three seasons.
She has undoubtedly inspired many young girls in Lockport to try wrestling. And she has done the same for her current teammates.
Just ask Rebekah Ramirez, a junior who finished third in the state at 235.
“When I was in eighth grade, my older sister, Liz, was on the team and I hadn’t wrestled yet,” Ramirez said. “But I’d go every week to watch the meets. Watching Claudia win and seeing her wrestle really inspired me.
“Then getting to be on the same team as her, she’s the girl I look up to the most. She’s left a huge mark on Illinois girls wrestling. She’s just a great role model and she’s one of my best friends.”
Heeney is ready for the next chapter, however.
“High school wrestling was definitely a cool experience,” she said. “It was super fun. The main takeaway is that hard work does pay off. My journey is not done yet. I’ve got a long way to go.
“I took a week off to let my body rest a little bit and now I’m ready to get back after it. Winning state championships is cool, but I have more goals in mind.”
The NCAA held its first national championship tournament for women’s wrestling March 6 and 7 in Iowa. That was beyond inspiring for Heeney.
“Seeing those emotions from the girls who won, I thought that was super cool,” she said. “It’d be super cool for me to win one of those.
“So, that’s one of the next big goals for me.”
