Leala Van Malleghem '21 Recruiting Profile

I first started rowing in 6th grade, transitioning over after 5 years of gymnastics. When I reached the 8th grade, I was given the opportunity to step up to the varsity team a year early. This opportunity opened my eyes to the love I have for this sport. I was able to compete at the state and regional level, including placing 3rd in the freshman 8+ at FSRA State Championships. I first became interested in this sport because of my older sister who was on the team throughout her high school experience. In gymnastics, even though you're on a team, it is mostly an individual improvement sport, whereas with rowing you need to be able to work with your teammates to move the boat faster. It was a little rough at first because I have always been a solo rider, but rowing has taught me the value of working and moving with the people around you to cross that finish line. 

Last year, my junior year, I trained with a fellow teammate in the lightweight 2x, with plans to reach Nationals which was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19. This has been a major obstacle for everyone around the world, but I have been lucky enough to be able to continue training throughout summer/quarantine at a lake in North Florida where I stayed at a family home. My coach had allowed me to bring a single and a pair of oars up there so that I could continue training without the risk of being exposed to the virus.  Training in isolation made me miss the team more than ever, and it was beyond exciting to get back home to the boat house and prepare for the fall season. This year, I have been named one of the team captains for the girls team, which entails stepping up to the plate to encourage my teammates to work hard at every practice, making sure all of the equipment is being taken care of properly, and to spread a positive mindset among all of the athletes.  

Alongside rowing, I play the cello. I have been playing for 7 years, and am in the highest level orchestra at my school, patriot philharmonic. I have also attended FSU summer music camps for 3 years with 2 of those years being in the highest Symphony orchestra. Orchestra is another place that I have learned how to work as a team, "it doesn't matter where you are sitting, as long as you are giving it your all and leading from wherever you are".  

I have been a part of the Engineering program at my schools since the 7th grade. I love designing mechanisms and to putting it to the test by building it.

In college, I plan to major in engineering or design considering that one of my biggest passions is designing/creating things.