Aaliyah Leal '22 Recruiting Profile

When I was in the 7th grade, I decided to join a sport everyone told me not to. I remember my first practice I had to stop because I was tired, but I told myself that would be the only time I'd let myself stop.  A few years later and I've stayed true to that statement. This sport has not only taught me to be mentally strong, but it has shown me that if you do not take care of your body all your hard work goes down the drain. I have learned that no matter what is going on in life going for a run will always help in clearing your mind. Although I am currently rank 2, I hope to graduate valedictorian of my high school. Once I enter college, I want to keep my 4.0 GPA, and then get into a good medical school. This year was hard for me because all summer leading up to my sophomore season I was training hard over 60 miles per week, but I did not do anything to care for my body. Evidently, I ended up injuring my left hip and leg. It was really hard knowing I could've done something to prevent that because I was supposed to have gone to state, but this injury taught me to take care of my body. Honestly, if you talk to any one of my coaches, teachers, or professors they'd tell you how I have such a high drive. Not only do I have a high drive, but I strive to do everything in the best manner possible. I always tell everyone that I was probably built to be a sprinter since I look like one, but because of my motivation and drive I made myself a long distance runner. I could also probably do powerlifting since I am actually quite strong, but I can not since our seasons collide. I am also a cross fitter.