Leah Schwagerl

PERSISTENCE is Leah Schwagerl’s middle name.

In high school, Leah competed in the 200m, 200m relay, 400m, and 400m relay. She started vaulting as a junior, and pole vault quickly became her favorite event. Traveling two hours each way to train at Pole Vault Carolina, she also somehow managed to achieve platinum level in gymnastics.

Leah’s high school did not offer indoor track so she competed unattached her senior year, jumping a PR at a collegiate meet in Virginia. She knew the height needed to become a walk on at UNC Chapel Hill, and dedicated herself to reaching it. But when sports went on hold last spring, the possibility vanished.

Staying positive, Leah developed a plan to ask the track coach for an opportunity to play. No scholarship, just a chance to practice with the team. That hope was dashed as days into her freshman year, UNC shut down.

Regrouping, Leah decided to compete unattached in college meets in 2021, but those meets too have been cancelled, or do not allow unattached athletes.

Attending our first home meet of 2021, Leah found some inner boldness , and opened at her PR. She cleared it on her first try. After her second miss, at the next height, she felt the familiar rise of defeat. Coach stopped her for a motivational chat before her last attempt. It began with, “This is your moment….” Leah dried up her tears, and took on the runway and the bar, easily clearing a new personal best.

Every PR is special, but some define an athlete. For those who knew Leah’s story, the moment was emotional. A young person who had dealt with disappointment and sacrifice finally had her personal victory.

Way to go, Leah!