Heather Van Norman Biography: Coach, Age, Family, Husband, Height, Net Worth
Heather Van Norman is an American track and field coach and former collegiate sprint star. A six-time NCAA All-American at LSU, she won three national championships and later built a respected coaching career at Rice, Georgia Tech, Tulane, and Nicholls State.
Her household is a track-and-field powerhouse: she is married to Olympic gold medalist Derrick Mills, and her son Odell is an NFL wide receiver.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Heather Van Norman |
| Nick Name | Coach Van Norman |
| Profession | Track & Field Coach, Former Sprinter |
| Birth Date | Not publicly disclosed |
| Age | Not publicly disclosed (approx. mid-50s) |
| Birth Place | Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Six-time NCAA All-American at LSU; collegiate head coach |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Louisiana State University (LSU), 1994 |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Derrick Mills (1996 Olympic gold medalist) |
| Children | Two (Odell and Jasmyne) |
| Family Tree | Married to Olympian Derrick Mills; mother of NFL receiver Odell and daughter Jasmyne |
| Hobbies | Fitness, mentoring athletes, track and field |
| Current Work | Track & field coach; former head coach at Nicholls State |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000–$1 million |
Related names: LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, and the Nicholls State Colonels track programs.
Early Life & Education
Heather Van Norman is a Minnesota native. She began her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota in 1988, where she was named Freshman Track Athlete of the Year before transferring to LSU. She is a charter member of the Minnesota High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
She graduated from LSU in 1994 with distinction as an athlete, having established herself as one of the Tigers’ most decorated sprinters.
Career Journey
LSU Sprinting Star
Competing for LSU from 1989 to 1995, Van Norman was a six-time NCAA All-American. She won three national championships in 1993—the indoor 4×400 relay and both the 4×400 and 4×100 outdoor relays. She was part of three straight LSU outdoor team national titles (1991–1993) and two indoor team titles (1991, 1993).
Record-Setting Speed
In 1991, Van Norman helped set an American record in the 4×200-meter relay. In 1992, she won the SEC indoor title in the 400 meters and competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials in New Orleans.
Coaching at Rice and Georgia Tech
Van Norman began coaching at Rice University, where her 4×400 relay team won the 1997 NCAA Indoor Championship. She then spent four years as an assistant at Georgia Tech, guiding sprinters and relay teams to national prominence.
Head Coach at Tulane and Nicholls State
In 2002, she was named head coach of men’s and women’s cross country and women’s track and field at Tulane University, a role she held for seven years. She later was named head coach of track and field and cross country at Nicholls State University in 2012.
Career Stats
- Six-time NCAA All-American at LSU
- Three national championships in 1993
- Part of an American-record 4×200 relay (1991)
- Head coach at Tulane (2002–2009)
- Head coach at Nicholls State (2012– )
Personal Life
- Van Norman is married to Derrick Mills, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist in the 4×400 relay.
- The couple has two children: son Odell, an NFL wide receiver, and daughter Jasmyne.
- She has lived and coached in New Orleans.
- Her family is deeply rooted in elite track and field.
Dating History and Affairs
Van Norman is married to Olympian Derrick Mills and there are no public reports of marital controversies.
Controversies
Heather Van Norman has no notable public controversies. Her career has been defined by athletic achievement and coaching mentorship.
Awards & Achievements
- Six-time NCAA All-American
- Three NCAA national championships (1993)
- Member, Minnesota High School Athletic Hall of Fame
- Coached multiple All-Americans and conference champions
Physical Statistics
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Favorites
- Favorite Event: 400 meters and relays
- Favorite Team: LSU Tigers
- Favorite City: New Orleans
- Favorite Role: Mentoring student-athletes
Earnings & Net Worth
Heather Van Norman’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million. It reflects a career as a collegiate coach and former elite athlete. NCAA head coaching salaries typically range from the mid-five figures to low six figures.
Interesting Facts
- She and her husband Derrick Mills are both Olympic-level track athletes.
- Her son Odell played football at LSU and in the NFL.
- She helped set an American record in the 4×200 relay.
- She began her college career at Minnesota before starring at LSU.
Did You Know Already?
Did you know Heather Van Norman is part of a family of champions? She won multiple NCAA titles at LSU, married Olympic gold medalist Derrick Mills, and raised an NFL wide receiver in Odell.
Social Media Links
- Professional Profile: geauxcolonels.com (Heather Van Norman)
FAQ
Who is Heather Van Norman?
Heather Van Norman is an American track and field coach and former LSU sprinter who won three NCAA national championships.
How old is Heather Van Norman?
Her exact age is not publicly disclosed, but she is believed to be in her mid-50s.
Who is Heather Van Norman’s husband?
She is married to Derrick Mills, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist in the 4×400-meter relay.
How many children does Heather Van Norman have?
She has two children: son Odell, an NFL wide receiver, and daughter Jasmyne.
Where has Heather Van Norman coached?
She has coached at Rice, Georgia Tech, Tulane (head coach 2002–2009), and Nicholls State (head coach from 2012).
Conclusion
Heather Van Norman’s life in track and field spans elite competition and decades of coaching mentorship. From LSU championships to raising a family of athletes, her legacy is measured in medals and in the students she has guided. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with other track and field fans!
