Iowa State University Athletics
September Student-Athletes of the Month Announced
10.16.2024 | Academic Services
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State academic services has named the September student-athletes of the month. The recipients are Tyler Claiborne, Bella Heikes, Daniel Herrerra and Aziza Rodriguez.
Tyler Claiborne, Football
Claiborne is in his redshirt sophomore season as a wide receiver. In high school, Claiborne's team won back-to-back Class 4A state titles, while he earned two all-state honors. Academically, Claiborne is a four-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll member.
Bella Heikes, Cross Country/Track and Field
Heikes continues her redshirt junior cross country season and has helped lead the Cyclones to a 20th-place team finish at the Nuttycombe Invite. Last track and field season, Heikes was an NCAA West Prelims qualifier in the 1,500m and recorded the No. 4-ranked performance in the event to score at Big 12s. Heikes is a USTFCCCA All-Academic, Academic All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll member.
Daniel Herrera, Wrestling
Herrera will begin his first season as a Cyclone wrestler. In high school, Herrera wrestled in California before finishing his career at Ames High School ranked nationally as the No. 9 heavyweight by FloWrestling. Herrera went undefeated in high school winning 87 matches and taking three state titles.
Aziza Rodriguez, Softball
Rodriguez will begin her sophomore campaign in 2025. As a freshman, the left-handed pitcher pitched through 47.1 innings, making 19 appearances and eight starts. Rodriguez recorded her first save at Northern Colorado and had a five-strikeout game against UNI. Rodriguez is also a Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll member.
