Leigha

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Leigha loves the hidden lessons in every rep and every setback. She learns more from losses than wins and works to embrace mistakes as motivation. Whether with a team or alone on the mats, sports have taught her discipline, resilience, and how to rely on herself when it matters most. For Leigha, every obstacle is a chance to grow stronger—and that’s what she loves most.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Leigha is blessed to be surrounded by coaches and mentors who care deeply about her growth as both an athlete and a person. Her greatest inspiration is her mom—a nurse who leads a transplant center and has spent 20+ years saving countless lives. At only 12, Leigha has visited her at work and seen firsthand what strength, focus, and leadership look like. She’s even learned from robotic surgeons—fueling her drive to work harder, think sharper, and never quit.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Making the IL State ODP Soccer team, going undefeated in volleyball, and winning Jiu-Jitsu medals are moments any parent would be proud of—but the proudest was when Leigha lost her first few Jiu-Jitsu matches by submission, got injured, and had no shot at a medal. Given the choice to stop, she chose to fight one last consolation match. She stepped back on the mat, pushed through the pain, and won. Her relentless refusal to give up—not the wins—is what makes us most proud.