Natalie Leachner '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Natalie Leachner and I am an incoming senior at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, KS. I was a competitive gymnast most of my life until my freshman year of high school when I decided to retire from the sport and begin something new. I knew immediately that I wanted to try diving. I began training with the Kansas Diving Club with coach Gabe Downey and his coaching staff. I train both one and three meter, as well as some five meter platform. This high school season, I became a state champion, a state record holder, and a diving All American. 

Although diving is something that takes up a majority of my time, I have always believed that school comes first. I have worked extremely hard to  build  a 4.5 weighted GPA by taking challenging courses and devoting my time to study. 

Something that I am also passionate about is my help in my community. In 2018, I was selected to be on the leadership team of Hoops for Hope. Hoops for Hope is a fundraising event that raises money to ease the financial burden on those affected by childhood cancer. After months of preparation, we raised over $5000 through the event itself, as well as selling bracelets and raffle tickets. 

Even though I have been out of gymnastics for almost three years, It was through gymnastics that I learned to push through injuries and long and difficult practices or seasons. I have also learned how to be a strong and supportive teammate, and how important it is to cheer for their success just as much as your own. It is because of these reasons that I believe I can serve as a valuable team member in a collegiate sport.