Getting to Know Anna Leinheiser

Sept. 20, 2013

What are you looking forward to most about being a member of the team?

I'm looking forward to reaching the level of intensity that the other girls on the team have. Coming from Hoover High, we had a pretty intense athletic program. Both of my coaches did a very good job preparing me for college sports, but obviously when you go to college, it's a lot harder than high school. I'm coming in at kind of the back of the pack, so I'm really looking forward to working hard and see my progress.

Why did you choose Alabama?

It was kind of a last minute decision. I had visited Alabama and felt the school was too big, so I didn't like it at first. I got a call from (assistant) coach (Adam) Tribble, who said they'd like me to come down and take another look. I talked it over with my parents, and the three of us decided it'd be silly to turn down an opportunity to run for a big SEC school. We visited again and liked it a lot, and the campus isn't as big as I thought it was. It was one of those opportunities you have to go out and try, and if it doesn't work out, you can at least say that you tried.

How did your family react to your college decision?

They were really relieved. They were happy because they knew this would be a great opportunity for me to get some of the best schooling in the country and also be able to participate in one of the best athletic programs. The funny part is that both of my parents are Auburn fans. My dad graduated from Alabama, but he's an Auburn fan.

When did you begin competing and why?

I started running in seventh grade. My dad ran in high school and competed at the college level, and I really wasn't interested in any other sports. It never really crossed my mind to play basketball or softball or anything else, so I started running. My best friends started running with me in eighth grade, so we just all continued on through high school.

When did you realize you could compete at the Division 1 level?

I didn't know Division 1 was in the realm of possibility until I got the call from Coach Tribble. I knew I wanted to run in college after my last cross country race in high school. I had broken 20 minutes in the 5K for the first time, and I wasn't tired or worn out. I still had more in me to get faster. I knew after that race it wouldn't be my last season.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I had at least a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. I also received the scholar athlete award my senior year. Also in my senior year, our girls cross country team got second at state which hadn't been accomplished in 6-8 years.

What has been the biggest adjustment you've had to make as a college athlete?

It's the intensity level, so getting used to the intensity, the three-times-a-week two-a-days, and the pace that the girls are running. It's a little bit faster than what I was running in high school, but when you intensify that and do it all day every day of the week, it becomes slightly overwhelming. That's the hardest part so far.

What goals do you have for this season?

My goal is to not get injured. I accept the fact that I'm probably not going to be in the top five, but maybe I can be in the top 10 before the end of the cross country season. It's really more of a long-term deal. It's going to take a year before I can begin to start competing with the girls who are here. If I can just not get injured and take of myself, my health and sleep and just get used to all of it, I'll be happy. I think by the time track season rolls around, I'll have more of an edge to go out and do some pretty amazing stuff. Right now, I'm just trying to get better and survive.

Have you decided on a major?

I don't have a major, but I know I will minor in Spanish.

Is there any other athlete, either professional or collegiate, that inspires you?

I look up to my high school coach (Devon Hind), who actually ran here (at Alabama). He really made me the athlete that I am and helped contribute to my positive-thinking mindset.

Aside from track, what is your favorite sport?

I really like flag football. It was always a struggle in middle school because the boys would never throw me the ball. They didn't know how good I was.

Athletes have strict diet regimens, but if there is one food you cannot live without, what is it?

I really like mashed potatoes... That's kind of my favorite food.

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