Spartan standout
Alyssa Leonard has been a force to be reckoned with on the court this season, leading the lady Spartans to one of their greatest seasons on the hardwood ever. I sat down with the Amherst, Mass. native to find out a little more about this Castleton hoop star.
Q: Who was your favorite basketball player growing up?
A: Diana Taurasi, she’s the most intense player on the court.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: Oh God yes, I’m the most superstitious person in the world. Before every home game I eat the same turkey grinder, bag of chips, and Vitamin water from the Castleton deli. I also wear the same sports bra and underwear for every game, and listen to the same playlist on my ipod before every game.
Q: What was your most epic moment on the court?
A: Winning the NAC Championship last year, It’s the only Championship I’ve ever won.
Q: Can you describe the feeling you had in best game you ever played?
A: The best games I ever played were the most fun. Everybody is energetic and engaged and everything just seems to click. The biggest thing I remember though, is it just being so fun.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball team growing up?
A: Notre Dame Fighting Irish!
Q: Can you describe a “bad” day on the court?
A: Days where I struggle shooting are frustrating but you just have to find other ways to contribute like getting the assists, the rebounds, the steals and just be an active member on the court so other players can step up and score.
Q: Where do you see yourself after Castleton?
A: I’m definitely want to work in athletics, I want to be an Athletic Director. I want to be around sports the rest of my life. I don’t know if I want to go down the coaching route just yet, but I definitely want to be working in athletics.
More Stories
Women’s lacross dominates in ‘Morgan’s Message’
On Saturday, March 30, Castleton women’s lacrosse team hosted a memorial game for the cause Morgan’s Message. Morgan’s message is an organization fueled by sharing stories and resources to strengthen student-athlete mental health. Students can become ambassadors for Morgan’s Message and help plan events such as memorial games, team community service efforts, and creating Morgan’s […]
Baseball team looking to turn things around
In a season that started down south, the Castleton baseball team has consistently struggled this season sitting with a 2-17 record at just about the halfway point of the season. However, only four of those games have been Little East Conference match ups. As the Spartans head into the second half of the season they […]
Wrestling season breaks records
Another season of Castleton wrestling is in the books, and this year’s team definitely made it one for the record books. The team won every single tournament it entered in the regular season, they placed third in the region – bringing six wrestlers to nationals – and capped off the season by ranking 12th in […]
Softball hitting it’s stride to start the season
In the sunny state of South Carolina, the Castleton softball team kicked off its season with a hot start going 5-3 during its trip to the south. “We were able to get off to a good start on our spring trip, and that gives us a gauge of where we are early,” said head coach […]
We are the champions
After a slushy finish atop Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, the Castleton Alpine Ski Team saw two members walk up to stand in the first-place spot on the podium receiving the title of national champions. Both Emilie Stene and Lorenzo Mencaccini became the fourth and fifth national champions that the Spartans have produced in program […]
Wrestling ramps up for nationals
As the hard-fought wrestling season is near its end, the VTSU Castleton wrestling team is sending six stars to compete in the NCAA National Championships. James Rodriguez, Gavin Bradley, Sampson Wilkins, Nate Camiscioli, Nick Roeger, and Darby McLaughlin will all represent the school. Rodriguez, a senior and two-time All-American, is making his third straight trip […]