For Linzee Leal, leadership has always been rooted in showing up. For her teammates, her family, and her community. A 2025 graduate of Texas Lutheran University (TLU) with a degree in kinesiology and a concentration in sports management, Leal鈥檚 collegiate journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence and making an impact wherever she鈥檚 needed.
A standout softball player and student leader, Leal completed her time at TLU with an impressive academic record, campus involvement, and a legacy defined by discipline, service, and heart. That balance of athletics, academics, and leadership helped her earn recognition as a finalist for the .
Leal credits her growth to the habits and expectations she developed as a student-athlete, skills that continue to guide her beyond graduation. Speaking to her already many achievements, she notes that a range of skills helped her along the way.
鈥淚t was important that I incorporated leadership, responsibility, professionalism, hard work and dedication, communication skills, along with organizational skills,鈥 she says.
Those qualities were on display throughout her softball career at TLU, where she helped lead the program to one of the strongest seasons in its history, including a fourth Division III Women鈥檚 College World Series appearance. A two-time World Series qualifier, Leal finished her collegiate career among the program鈥檚 all-time leaders in stolen bases while earning multiple All-SCAC honors.
In the classroom, her discipline translated into academic excellence. Leal graduated with a 3.76 GPA and was recognized multiple times on the SCAC Academic Honor Roll, reinforcing her belief that leadership doesn鈥檛 stop when the game ends.
Much of Leal鈥檚 leadership philosophy was shaped long before college, beginning at home.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 fair to say that I have been blessed with a family who shows up and demonstrates a lot of leadership skills,鈥 she says.
With parents who are both coaches and teachers, Leal grew up watching leadership modeled through service and sacrifice.
鈥淚 have always admired my parents鈥 hard work and dedication to their work,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 have seen the passion and sacrifices they have made for their students, athletes, and even for their families. I have seen the way they love their athletes and push them to be the best version of themselves, and that is something that I have always admired.鈥
That influence carried into her collegiate experience, where her softball coaches played a pivotal role in her leadership development.
鈥淥nce I started college, my softball coaches became a very important part of my life. The way they loved us beyond the softball field, pushed us, and prepared us to become not only the best athlete we can become, but the best young ladies [and] women we were preparing to become,鈥 she says.
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When asked what leadership means to her, Leal looks beyond the titles and more towards everyday actions.
鈥淟eadership means being a good example, a role model,鈥 she says. 鈥淪omeone who is going to push you to be the best version of yourself.鈥
She emphasizes that accountability and encouragement go hand in hand.
鈥淪omeone who is going to hold you accountable but still love you and cheer you on,鈥 she says.
That mindset guided her involvement across campus, including leadership roles in student-athlete organizations and service-based groups, where she focused on lifting others while setting a consistent example through her actions.
And ultimately, her definition of leadership comes back to the most important lesson in sports. 鈥淚 think it means being a good teammate,鈥 she adds.
Looking ahead, Leal鈥檚 goals remain focused on growth, faith, and consistency.
鈥淚n the end I just hope to become the best version of myself that I can become in every aspect of life,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he end goal is to become the woman that God has prepared me to be.鈥
Professionally, she鈥檚 continuing to build on the foundation she developed as a student-athlete, applying those same principles of effort and accountability in her career.
鈥淚 plan on continuing to work hard and help my company to my best ability,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 hope to improve my tasks day by day and learn more as the year goes on.鈥
Leal says the 91桃色 helped expand her understanding of leadership beyond athletics.
鈥淚 think [the 91桃色] has shown me that becoming a strong leader doesn鈥檛 have to just be throughout your sport, but in the classroom as well,鈥 she says.
Through her 91桃色 experience, she gained skills that prepared her for what鈥檚 next.
鈥淚t has taught me leadership skills for clubs and organizations at school,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t has even taught me the qualities and characteristics needed for life after college, such as occupations, internships, and interviews.鈥
Leal鈥檚 advice leans back onto teamwork, humility, and effort.
鈥淲hen you want to become a better leader, as someone who was a part of a team and as an athlete, it starts by being a good teammate,鈥 she says.
She encourages aspiring leaders to put others first and stay consistent, no matter the setting.
鈥淵ou put others before you and you honestly become their family,鈥 she says. 鈥淚n the classroom you set an example and you work hard no matter what, no matter where.鈥
Above all, Leal believes leadership is about perseverance.
鈥淎lways give it your best, but that doesn鈥檛 mean that you have to be perfect,鈥 she says. 鈥淵ou have to be tough enough to push through the hard times and enjoy every moment that is given to you.鈥
Meet Bailey Austin next, another student-athlete and kinesiology major who led her water ski team to a national title all while maintaining a 3.97 GPA and participating in a range of service initiatives.