Featured Hawks: Zyian Heyligar
Every Friday Chowan Athletics will spotlight select student-athletes and coaches in a series called Featured Hawks. This series highlights Hawks who exemplify excellence in the classroom, in competition, and within the Chowan community. Student-athletes were selected based on their academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership, character, and overall standing with the university. Coaches have the opportunity to share their coaching journey, discuss their programs, and provide insight about their vision for the future.
Fans will learn more about the individual experiences and stories of our student-athletes and coaches at Chowan as the spotlight series will continue by highlighting one individual throughout the school year each week.
September 4th, 2026
Junior Zyian Heyligar, an exercise science major from Birmingham, Alabama, has made her mark at Chowan as a member of both the women's lacrosse and flag football teams. Heyligar originally came to Chowan as a women's lacrosse student-athlete before joining the Hawks' inaugural flag football team in 2026.
Heyligar made an immediate impact during the program's opening season, contributing on both sides of the ball at linebacker, safety, and wide receiver. She recorded four touchdowns for 193 receiving yards while making her presence felt defensively with 65 solo tackles and three assisted tackles for a total of 68 tackles on the season.
Off the field, Heyligar continues to make an impact on the Chowan student body as she serves as a Residential Assistant. Further, she was recognized at the 2026 Chowan Athletics Sports Awards Show, recieving the Resilience Award.
How do you balance the responsibilities of academics, athletics, and campus life?
Academics have always been a top priority for me. My coaches, especially Coach Sherry, constantly remind us that we're here to get our degrees first, then sports comes after that. To stay balanced, I make sure to manage my time well and stay organized. I also make sure to take personal time for myself. Once practice, games, and my responsibilities are over on campus, I always make sure to reset, take a step back, and recharge so I can continue giving my best in all areas.
Who has had the greatest impact on your journey at Chowan, and why?
The person that has had the greatest impact on my journey at Chawan is my adviser, Ms. Lia Walker. Since day one, she has been there for me. Even though she is my adviser, she's also one of my professors. I've gone to her for advice on so many different things. She's always willing to listen, give feedback, and also help guide me. Ms. Walker has also helped me navigate college life and also helped me think about my future career goals. Having someone who genuinely cares about me and my success has made a huge difference in my experience at Chowan.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at Chowan?
The accomplishment I'm most proud of during my time at Chowan is my academic success. I knew coming into college that I wanted to put my best foot forward academically because I understood that school comes first. Since being at Chowan, I've earned my name on the Dean's List and President's List, which I'm very proud of because it reflects the hard work and dedication I've put toward my academics. Another accomplishment I'm proud of is becoming a Resident Assistant this past year. Serving as an RA has allowed me to grow as a leader, make a positive impact on students, and develop valuable skills that I know I will use in my future.
