Tri-sport athlete, Senior Kianna Lefear never fails to disappoint, standing out on the court, the field, or in class. Whether it is basketball, flag football, or shotput/disc, Lefear battles to the end, bringing competition and love to the game. For her courage and determination, Lefear has been named Female Athlete of the Year.
Girls Basketball Coach Romie Apostol said, “Kianna is a well-rounded student athlete who excels across multiple sports. In addition to basketball, she is a starting flag football quarterback and the top thrower at UC High in both discus and shot put. She has put in the work day in and day out and has been a varsity-level athlete for four years.”
Lefear ensures success in not only her three sports, but in class as well. Lefear said, “I balance school and sports by staying organized and managing my time. I make sure to give any free time I get to prioritize my assignments and stay on top of my work.”
Injuries and mental awareness are common challenges for student athletes. “Staying mentally strong through tough games and pushing through injuries have definitely challenged me in the past few years. I broke my finger during flag football season. It carried into basketball as well, but I was able to play by the end of the season and contribute to the team,” said Lefear.
On the court or field, Lefear supports and pushes her team. “Kianna pushes others to be better with her energy. She’s big on words of encouragement and always supports her teammates. Along with that, she uses her basketball IQ to help others play smarter and improve,” said Lefear’s basketball teammate, Senior Andrea Sanchez.
Bonds throughout the team are crucial when it comes to thriving as a player. “My favorite part of being a student athlete is the bond I build with my teammates. We push each other to get better every day, and the friendships and memories we create are something that I really value,” said Lefear.
Despite her injury, Lefear was a very strong leader on the court. Sanchez, who has been teammates with Lefear for the past three years, said, “Kianna is a high-energy teammate who keeps things fun but still focused. She makes sure everyone feels included and that she is always communicating on the court. She steps up as a leader, helps guide others in game situations, and does a great job controlling the flow of the game.”
“Kianna is truly an extension of the coaching staff, especially when it comes to communication. I strongly believe that when communication is strong, both the game and the team environment run more smoothly. She embodies that every day, on and off the court. She helps bridge the gap between players and coaches, often serving as someone her teammates feel comfortable going to,” said Apostol.
“What truly sets her apart is her mindset. She is always focused on the success of the team while continuing to grow her individual game. Her dedication, leadership, and impact on others make her highly deserving of this recognition,” said Apostol.
When asked what this recognition means to her, Lefear said, “Being named female athlete of the year means a lot to me, because it shows that the time and effort I put into all of the sports I play was well worth it. It motivates me to keep pushing myself and to continue to grow.”