During her outstanding career as a member of the Emory University volleyball program, Leah Saunders has appeared in 107 matches and ranks prominently in a number of all-time school categories. A 2019 AVCA First-Team All-American, Saunders was tabbed as the University Athletic Association's Most Valuable Player in 2018 and 2019. As a sophomore, she was a driving force on the Eagles' drive to the D-III national crown, landing a spot on the NCAA Championships All-Tournament Team while ending the campaign with an average of 2.72 kills per set. The following campaign, she ranked third on the league ladder in terminations (3.17 kps) en route to being named UAA Player of the Week on four occasions. A native of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Saunders is an anthropology major. Recently named to the Emory University 100 Senior Honorary, she also took part in the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program that brings 40 ethnic minority students to the NCAA Convention.
The UAA "Conversations About Race and Racism" series seeks to lift the voices of people of color and recognize the challenges faced in both athletics and academics at the collegiate level. By sharing personal stories, we hope to elevate the conversation about race to raise awareness and bring about change.
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