THE F I G H T I N G S A I N T S
Spotlight: Leah Alles, Fighting Saint and Science Whiz Volleyball player Leah Alles might be
one of the best players in USF history,
between homework and volleyball practices any longer but she admits
but she isn’t playing around when it
she’s having a hard time accepting the fact that she will no longer play
comes to the future. She just graduated
competitive college volleyball. After all, Alles is pretty used to her routine
on May 5, and will be starting a
after being team captain and starting libero for the last two seasons.
graduate physician assistant program at
Midwestern University just as this
of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. In 2016, she was also named an
magazine is arriving in homes.
NAIA honorable mention All-American after finishing that season with
978 digs, which became a school record. After the fall 2017 season,
Alles, a biology major, has always had
When she enters graduate school, Alles won’t have to split her time
Alles was named CCAC Libero of the Year and Mideast Region Libero
an interest in science. She chose to
she finished her career with an astounding 2,659 digs, which set the
pursue biology because she felt there
university’s career record.
were many options for careers and experiences that would eventually open doors for her. She was also inspired by her father, who was a biology major in college and eventually became an optometrist. His dedication to science and the health care field was an example to Alles, who feels confidently prepared to enter graduate school.
An interest in spending time with and treating her own patients is what
initially drew Alles to the P.A. profession, noting that physician assistants typically rank high on the scale in terms of patient satisfaction. Because the values of service, respect and compassion have been instilled in her through USF’s Franciscan values, Alles will make the perfect P.A. candidate.
“The science education I received at USF has inspired me to continue
my educational journey and has given me the confidence to pursue a
career in the P.A. field. In addition to USF’s exceptional science curriculum
and professors, every year, there were new research opportunities and grants to pursue, different upper-level biology electives offered, and
events and conferences to attend that enhanced our education,” she said.
some of her most shining athletic moments off the court—by way of the
wonderful relationships she built with her coaches and teammates.
Alles has learned one particularly interesting thing. Did you know that
we, as human beings, are basically all made up of stardust? Alles says, “Almost 98% of our bodies’ mass is made up of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen,
Even with that kind of athletic success, Alles feels she experienced
“I could not have had the success I did in my position without the
support of my entire team. I will be forever grateful for how we worked
hydrogen, phosphorus and calcium. These elements originated from
together and encouraged one another.”
stars. I always thought it was so cool how God not only created us, but so
uniquely connected us to the entire universe.”
summer sand-volleyball leagues and intramurals. Her other hobbies
include fishing and reading.
Something else she thanks her lucky stars about: The LaVerne &
In her free time, Alles hopes to continue to get playing time in through
Dorothy Brown Science Hall. The USF science facilities have changed
substantially during Alles’ four years at USF, and she feels lucky she
casting and reeling until my hands get sore. I also like to read. My favorite
had the opportunity to experience and learn in them—if even just
book is ‘Pierced by a Sword’ by Bud Macfarlane,” she recalled. “I want to
for a semester.
mention that my faith, family, and friends have played an enormous role in
my success during my college experience and I am very blessed. I am
“The new facilities are really inspiring students to do more research,
“My dad and I fish for muskies; I love spending hours on the lake,
and it has made them excited to attend classes. All the tools you need
grateful for the constant support of my parents and sisters, the motivation
to excel in your courses are now in a central location, and the faculty
from my head coach Cara Currier, school advisor Lisa Hedrick, the
makes sure everything you need is available to you,” she said.
Universtiy Ministry staff, and the love of my close friends and teammates.”
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
