On defense and off the court, Leonard builds up her team during a challenging year
1/22/2021 12:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Mia Leonard may be quiet on the sidelines, but when she takes the court she is a forced to be reckoned with on defense. Standing at 6-foot-1 inch, Leonard towered over her opponents blocking a total of 42 shots in the 2019-20 season, ranking third in the PSAC.
"I definitely think being tall helps because I have really long arms. When I was in high school I used to play volleyball which was a lot of following the ball, jumping up, and having really good timing," said Leonard. "So, I think that helped with the skill in basketball. When someone goes up for a layup timing is everything because I could easily get fouls called on me."
Blocking shots has come naturally to Leonard over the years and is a skill that she is proud to hold.
"I don't really practice it. It is just a skill that I have developed over time," said Leonard. "It is something that I am very proud of myself for. I feel like everyone has their thing and that has always been a big part of my game and defense."
While it may seem easy for a player of Leonard's height to simply put up their hands and block a shot, there is far more to the skill.
"If I have another player that is supposed to go in to help then I try not to go for the block because it becomes more chaotic. But, if I don't see someone going to help, and I see a free line for someone to drive, go up for a layup, or shoot, then I will try to stop the shot," said Leonard. "It gives us the chance to get another possession if myself or someone else can get the ball, but if not it gets pulled back out and we're right back on defense. I try to be very aware of what is going on because if I am not the right person that is supposed to go help, and I do then it can affect my team in many different ways."
Leonard does her best to remain calm and keep her focus on the game, but every blocked shot is an adrenaline boost.
"I try to stay calm and collected on the court. I don't like being one of those people who shows a lot of emotion," said Leonard. "One time we were playing Kutztown and I blocked three shots in a row. I may not show it on the outside, but it's exciting. My heart will race, and I get an adrenaline rush. It's like a confidence booster. No matter what happens on the offensive side I know I can always try my hardest on defense."
Leonard earned PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week twice during the 2019-20 season for her standout defensive performances, but she at times displayed the ability to score in bunches in the paint. Leonard shot 13-of-26 from the field for a career-high 26 points and totaled another career-high five blocks in the game against Kutztown on Feb. 5, 2020.
"When my coaches told me I got defensive player of the week I was shocked and excited," said Leonard. "I understand that I have the skill of blocking shots and knowing I have that is enough for me, but I didn't realize how exciting it would be and how nice it would feel to get the recognition. It felt like a great accomplishment. It's that extra push. "
With the cancellation of the 2020-21 season, Leonard is continuing to do all she can to prepare to return to the court in 2021-22.
"It is very important to work on finishes around the basket at all angles," said Leonard. "I also start on the block doing various post moves whether it's drop-step, hook, or up and under. I work on those on both sides and do a lot of those because that is my main game. "I'll go to the 15-foot range and shoot. I practice driving and foul shots. Every once in a while I will work on threes because I want to be more versatile."
Leonard's biggest focus is on defense and her strength in the paint.
"My main focus is back to the basket and being strong," said Leonard. "I think strength is a big asset. I want to be able to have confidence in my part of the game."
With a new coach comes a new era of basketball at Millersville and head coach Sharay Hall has wasted no time bringing her team back to the basics.
"She is making changes that will benefit the whole team," said Leonard. "She is really big on fundamental stuff and movement. We've worked on post defense stuff like moving our feet and getting around. Last year I struggled with footwork, so it has helped me a lot."
Hall is providing a new voice and direction at the top, and Leonard is helping to change the culture through her actions on and off the court. Team success doesn't always come simply because of talent. Leonard understands that basketball is a true team game and creating the most positive and safe atmosphere for her teammates is a top priority for Leonard. And keeping the team together in a challenging year without full team workouts, without a true season, sporadic in-person connections and countless virtual meetings was key for truly building a team for 2021-22. Just like how she plays defense, Leonard just wants to do her part.
"I want to be able to be that person that people can come to on and off the court. I am always willing to listen and try to never speak down to or belittle anybody," said Leonard. "You spend so much time with your teammate they become your second family away from home. We go through so much on that court. All our energies feed of each other. Team is such a big part of basketball. How you interact with your teammates can affect your love for the sport and the school you are playing for. So, creating that culture is a big point of emphasis for me."
"I definitely think being tall helps because I have really long arms. When I was in high school I used to play volleyball which was a lot of following the ball, jumping up, and having really good timing," said Leonard. "So, I think that helped with the skill in basketball. When someone goes up for a layup timing is everything because I could easily get fouls called on me."
Blocking shots has come naturally to Leonard over the years and is a skill that she is proud to hold.
"I don't really practice it. It is just a skill that I have developed over time," said Leonard. "It is something that I am very proud of myself for. I feel like everyone has their thing and that has always been a big part of my game and defense."
While it may seem easy for a player of Leonard's height to simply put up their hands and block a shot, there is far more to the skill.
"If I have another player that is supposed to go in to help then I try not to go for the block because it becomes more chaotic. But, if I don't see someone going to help, and I see a free line for someone to drive, go up for a layup, or shoot, then I will try to stop the shot," said Leonard. "It gives us the chance to get another possession if myself or someone else can get the ball, but if not it gets pulled back out and we're right back on defense. I try to be very aware of what is going on because if I am not the right person that is supposed to go help, and I do then it can affect my team in many different ways."
Leonard does her best to remain calm and keep her focus on the game, but every blocked shot is an adrenaline boost.
"I try to stay calm and collected on the court. I don't like being one of those people who shows a lot of emotion," said Leonard. "One time we were playing Kutztown and I blocked three shots in a row. I may not show it on the outside, but it's exciting. My heart will race, and I get an adrenaline rush. It's like a confidence booster. No matter what happens on the offensive side I know I can always try my hardest on defense."
Leonard earned PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week twice during the 2019-20 season for her standout defensive performances, but she at times displayed the ability to score in bunches in the paint. Leonard shot 13-of-26 from the field for a career-high 26 points and totaled another career-high five blocks in the game against Kutztown on Feb. 5, 2020.
"When my coaches told me I got defensive player of the week I was shocked and excited," said Leonard. "I understand that I have the skill of blocking shots and knowing I have that is enough for me, but I didn't realize how exciting it would be and how nice it would feel to get the recognition. It felt like a great accomplishment. It's that extra push. "
With the cancellation of the 2020-21 season, Leonard is continuing to do all she can to prepare to return to the court in 2021-22.
"It is very important to work on finishes around the basket at all angles," said Leonard. "I also start on the block doing various post moves whether it's drop-step, hook, or up and under. I work on those on both sides and do a lot of those because that is my main game. "I'll go to the 15-foot range and shoot. I practice driving and foul shots. Every once in a while I will work on threes because I want to be more versatile."
Leonard's biggest focus is on defense and her strength in the paint.
"My main focus is back to the basket and being strong," said Leonard. "I think strength is a big asset. I want to be able to have confidence in my part of the game."
With a new coach comes a new era of basketball at Millersville and head coach Sharay Hall has wasted no time bringing her team back to the basics.
"She is making changes that will benefit the whole team," said Leonard. "She is really big on fundamental stuff and movement. We've worked on post defense stuff like moving our feet and getting around. Last year I struggled with footwork, so it has helped me a lot."
Hall is providing a new voice and direction at the top, and Leonard is helping to change the culture through her actions on and off the court. Team success doesn't always come simply because of talent. Leonard understands that basketball is a true team game and creating the most positive and safe atmosphere for her teammates is a top priority for Leonard. And keeping the team together in a challenging year without full team workouts, without a true season, sporadic in-person connections and countless virtual meetings was key for truly building a team for 2021-22. Just like how she plays defense, Leonard just wants to do her part.
"I want to be able to be that person that people can come to on and off the court. I am always willing to listen and try to never speak down to or belittle anybody," said Leonard. "You spend so much time with your teammate they become your second family away from home. We go through so much on that court. All our energies feed of each other. Team is such a big part of basketball. How you interact with your teammates can affect your love for the sport and the school you are playing for. So, creating that culture is a big point of emphasis for me."
Players Mentioned
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