Q and A With Track and Field Senior Morgen Leonard-Fleckman

By Sean Wallis
Sports Information Student Assistant
Washington University in St. Louis

First of all, congratulations on winning a National Championship—that’s pretty exciting. Coming to school here three years ago, did you ever think you would accomplish what you were able to accomplish this past winter? You finished tenth in the state of Washington in pole vault your senior year of high school--- did you think a National Championship was a realistic goal?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: No, a National Championship was the furthest thing from my mind when I started at Washington U.  At the time, my only goals were to jump a little higher and continue competing.  Qualifying for nationals came as a complete shock.

Was there a point during the Championships where you realized—“Hey, I could really win this thing?” or were you just focused on each jump not thinking about the end result?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: I was trying really hard to focus on each jump.  Whenever I started thinking about who was in the lead, I had to concentrate instead on what I could control.  But when I cleared 3.86 meters on the first attempt, it hit me that I could win it.

Obviously the individual accomplishment must have been gratifying, but at the same time the women’s team finished third place overall, the program’s highest-ever finish at the indoor national championship meet. I know track is not necessarily a “team” sport, but how nice was it to celebrate such a wonderful accomplishment with your teammates who were also successful?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: People tend to view track as an individual sport, but here at Washington U., it is definitely a team effort.  The distance medley relay’s fourth-place finish set Dani[elle Wadlington] and me up to excel the next day.  I was competing when Dani placed second in the triple jump, and her performance gave me an extra boost.  I could not have done so well without the support and energy my teammates provided.  While I was thrilled about my individual finish, having our team in the lead until the last event made the moment even more exhilarating.  It was incredible to watch four girls, three of whom are freshman, become All-Americans their first time at nationals.  And Dani was two centimeters away from winning the triple jump!  I am so proud of all of those girls and how we finished as a team. 

What are your expectations for the upcoming outdoor season? How much of an adjustment do you have to make in your jumping preparation due to the move from indoor to outdoor?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: Anything can happen at nationals, so I can’t think about the outcome.  That being said, of course I want to win it.  In past years, I have performed better in the outdoor season, so I just need to stay focused and continue improving my technique.

How much of an influence has head coach Paul Thornton been over your time at Washington U.?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: None of this would have been possible without my coaches.  And when I say that, I don’t just mean a championship or a height.  I have learned and grown more on the track than in any class.  In the past four years, Thor[nton] has encouraged me and pushed me to become a stronger person and leader, as well as an athlete.  Lane [Lohr] is one of the best pole vault coaches in the country; we are so fortunate to have him here.

Aside from the track and field team, who is your favorite team at Washington University?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: Men’s basketball, of course.

What is your favorite part about going to Washington U.?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: Being part of this team.  I have had the privilege of competing alongside truly stellar individuals who have been powerful influences on my life.  Plus, I get to travel around with some of my closest friends and throw myself into the air with sticks. 

What will you remember most about your four years here?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: The people I have met here have made a lasting impression on me.  I have a lot of stories, and the friendships I have made in the past four years will last long after I leave Washington University.

What are your plans for next year... post-graduation?

Morgen Leonard-Fleckman: I’m deferring medical school for two years to work with Teach for America.  I’ll be teaching high school science in Kansas City.