A rising Grant Park star

A Grade 11 student at Grant Park High School, Leah Peitsch is already making a name for herself in the world of sports. 

Leah is on the school's Varsity volleyball team and plays badminton, hockey, and baseball outside of school. Baseball and Volleyball are her two favourite games. 

Leah started playing baseball when she was 12 years old. This year she played for Tuxedo Light and Baseball Manitoba. She has recently received the "Baseball Manitoba Female Player of the Year" award in her first year playing for Baseball Manitoba. 

When the team's coach first texted Leah to Congratulate her for winning the award, she did not believe it. She was thrilled to learn that Baseball Manitoba had chosen her for the 2022 Female Player of the Year award, not just for her age group but amongst all female athletes. 

The accomplishments of Leah in recent baseball games speak for themselves: 

·     At the 16U Girls Invitational Championships at Prince Edward Island, she was twice named player of the game and a tournament all-star. 

·     Leah had an on-base percentage of .455 in five games for the 21U Women's Invitational Championships, with seven runs scored and nine RBIs. 

·     Leah scored five runs in four games at the Senior Women's Invitational for the Baseball Canada National Championships at Stonewall, Manitoba. 

"We were playing against Saskatchewan, and we always beat them. This game was very close, and we had to maintain a record of winning against them. I was on third base, and if I got out, the game would get tied, and we would have to go into extra innings," recollects Leah about her favourite memory on the field. 

"When the batter hit the ball, I tagged up. I soon realized my mistake and ran hard to complete the run, and our team won the match."

Leah is also playing Volleyball for her school team and the Winman Volleyball club this year. 

"My love for Volleyball started in Grade 7 when Ms. Cuddy was our team's coach. We had a great year because of her excellent coaching and team building," said Leah Peitsch. 

"She coached us again in Grade 8, and even when we did not have a volleyball team in Grades 9 and 10, Ms. Cuddy became my mentor and guide. She is my go-to person for all things." 

Leah is excited to play and practice with the team again after a two years break due to COVID. Through COVID years, she worked out regularly to build strength and stamina. Her fitness routine has helped her a lot in all the games. 

"Leah is one of the most coachable athletes we have encountered and is enrolled in Grant Park's Advanced Placement program. She is a talented athlete who plays with heart and enthusiasm. She is also a wonderful leader on and off the field." said Jennifer Cuddy, Counsellor at Grant Park High School. 

Being a part of the AP program challenges Leah to work hard and complete the school work every day. She balances her time by creating and following a schedule for studies and sports activities. 

After High School, Leah hopes to get a Volleyball scholarship or a University invitation to play and fulfill her education goals. Leah wants to continue to play when she is an adult; sports is a big part of her life now, and she hopes it will be later too. 

Without a doubt, Leah Peitsch is a player to watch in the coming years.