You can’t overstate how monumental this week has been for the Heise family.
🏀 Monday – Nate Heise scores go-ahead three-pointer for No. 6 Iowa State vs. No. 2 Houston
🏒 Thursday – Taylor Heise assist on Team USA’s goal to win gold
CLUTCH GENE RUNS IN THE HEISE FAMILY 🧬 pic.twitter.com/Zvy1tCo8ni
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 19, 2026
Nate Heise powered Iowa State to a win over No. 2 Houston, while Taylor Heise helped secure the gold medal for the United States women’s hockey team.
It was a week that most siblings could only imagine.
Shot of the season from Nate Heise
All-Timer in Hilton Coliseum 🌪️pic.twitter.com/rXpWOFCHmc
— Faux TJ Otzelberger (@FauxTjOtz) February 17, 2026
Megan Keller the hero, but how about a moment for Taylor Heise recognizing Canada making a change and firing a perfect stretch tape-to-tape. An all-time 🍎 #Olympics2026 https://t.co/54fZIzP8tD pic.twitter.com/TFFDt40egH
— Bryan Dee (@BryanJDee) February 19, 2026
For mother Amy Heise, a crossover moment of her own happened in Italy when an Iowa State fan approached her for a picture.
Iowa State alum Sam Strotman (‘86) is cheering on Team USA 🇺🇸 at the Olympics in Italy and ran into another Cyclone fan! @CycloneMBB senior Nate Heise’s sister plays for the women’s hockey team and his mom Amy was so excited to see a #CyclonesEverywhere flag! pic.twitter.com/W1WoUMJw28
— Iowa State University Alumni (@isualum) February 16, 2026
Despite all of the success between Nate and Taylor, it wouldn’t be a sibling story without a little rivalry.
Nate Heise says his go-ahead shot to help beat No. 2 Houston beats his sister’s goal in the Olympics today vs Sweden. pic.twitter.com/2Zeycqy3AO
— Ben Hutchens (@Ben_Hutchens_) February 17, 2026
But after Taylor won the gold, Nate wrote a letter to his older sister via The Athletic, praising the relentless work ethic that earned her every opportunity.
Nate Heise writes a letter to his gold medalist big sister.
A really cool read on the New York Times.https://t.co/1TfaqBTvcs
— Cyclone Fanatic (@cyclonefanatic) February 19, 2026
It’s safe to say the Heise family will remember this week for the rest of their lives.
