Atlantic native Catherine Leonard has been honored by Briar Cliff University with their annual Marian Pesky Champion of Character Award. Leonard is a senior member of the women’s volleyball team and was nominated by Coach Lindsey Weatherford for her leadership on and off the court. Leonard also competed on the Briar Cliff women’s basketball team to start her college career.

The Marian Pesky Champion of Character Awards are named for longtime Charger coach and administrator Marian Pesky, who currently serves as the Cliff’s Champions of Character Director. The Champion of Character award is presented to a male and female student-athlete that exemplifies the five core values of the NAIA.

Coach Weatherford said, “”Cat is a strong leader on and off the volleyball court and displays the five core values of the NAIA in all her activities of daily living. Cat joined the volleyball team after being a member of the basketball team for a few years. She fit in right away due to her respect for her teammates and sportsmanship. She took responsibility in mentoring our incoming group of athletes with integrity. Her servant-leadership is unparalleled as a nurse, teammate, sister, daughter and friend to all. Cat is truly deserving of this honor.”