Suffolk Standout Advances in Athlete of the Year Contest

Ward Melville High School junior Aliya Leonard is making a strong impression both on and off the field, and now the three-sport athlete has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year contest.

Leonard, a member of Ward Melville’s lacrosse program and a standout competitor in soccer and track, is currently second in her quarterfinal group as she pursues a $25,000 prize and the opportunity to be featured in Sports Illustrated and appear on CBS.

The East Setauket athlete has earned recognition for more than her athletic ability. Leonard has captained multiple varsity teams, establishing herself as a leader who values teamwork, perseverance and helping others succeed.

In her contest biography, Leonard explained that what she loves most about sports is the constant opportunity to grow.

“There is always another sprint to run, another mistake to learn from, another teammate to encourage, and another level to reach,” she wrote.

Leonard also shared that her greatest inspiration is a younger version of herself who began playing sports simply because she loved competing, before rankings and expectations became part of the experience.

That mindset was on display during a recent soccer tryout. After finishing a running test nearly a minute ahead of the other participants, Leonard continued running alongside teammates, including her sister, to help them finish and meet the required standard.

The moment reflected the selflessness that has helped Leonard earn leadership roles across multiple sports. For her, success is not measured solely by personal achievements but also by the impact she has on those around her.

Leonard has demonstrated her athletic versatility in track as well, recording a time of 1:41.15 in the 600 meters at the North Shore High School Invitational on Dec. 30, 2025.

Community members can support Leonard by visiting her profile at Athlete of the Year and casting a free vote. Viewing her biography may also help in a contest tiebreaker.

As Leonard looks toward continuing her lacrosse career at Yale University, her journey reflects the dedication, character and team-first attitude that have made her a source of pride for the Ward Melville community.