Kate Heyl joined Illinois State in 2021 as a graduate assistant in the Athletics Ticket Office working primarily in ticket operations. In January of 2022 she transitioned to a full-time position within the Ticket Office as the Assistant Director of Ticket Operations, and in June of 2022 began her current position as the Director of Ticket Operations. 

Heyl, a Davidson, North Carolina native, graduated from the University of Tennessee in May of 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sport Management. She graduated with her master's degree in Sport Management from Illinois State University in August of 2023. She lives in Normal, Illinois with her dog, Bennie, and her cat, Tom.