Caroline Leonard played safety and wide receiver for a Lakeland flag football squad that was 13-5 and honorable mention in the New York State Class B poll.
She finished the 2026 campaign with 1,051 total yards, 15 total touchdowns, 41 tackles, nine interceptions, including one returned for a score, and 18 pass deflections. Leonard led the Hornets in both touchdowns and interceptions.
“From the beginning of the season, it was clear she was one of our quickest and most aggressive athletes on the field, with the ability to make plays in the air and consistently win 50/50 balls on both offense and defense,” said Lakeland coach PJ Nyberg of Leonard. “Because of that, it became clear we needed to get her the ball as often as possible, especially downfield, where she could change a game in a single play.
On defense, she showed her ability to cover an unbelievable amount of ground from the safety position, reading plays quickly and making impact stops and turnovers throughout the season.”
This past spring Leonard was one of Lakeland’s senior captains, along with Caroline Daly, Emily Hahn, Samantha Del Ponte, and Kacey Chin. All five were also captains of Lakeland’s girls soccer squad the previous fall.
In flag football, Leonard was named Lakeland team MVP, all-section and all-league this spring and last year as a junior earned all-league honors.
“She is one of the few players in our program who has been part of the team for four years and was part of the Section 1 Championship team,” Nyberg said, referring to Lakeland's 2023 Section 1 title. “The growth she has shown over that time is a true reflection of her work ethic, commitment, and dedication to becoming the player she is today. She is someone all younger players should absolutely look up to.”
Leonard also played varsity girls soccer at Lakeland for four seasons. In that sport, she was all-league as a freshman, sophomore, and senior, and all-league honorable mention her junior year, playing center midfield.
What was the experience like of being captains with the same girls in two different sports? Being a captain with the same girls on soccer and flag football was a special experience because we already had an amazing chemistry and a strong bond. The teamwork and friendships carried over from soccer to flag football, and it was evident on and off the field.
We created a team culture where we enjoyed being together and supporting each other.
How old were you when you started playing flag football and what got you started? I was a freshman when I started playing flag football. I decided to try out because I love being part of a team and I wanted to try something new outside of soccer.
What was your favorite part of being on the Lakeland flag football team? It was my teammates and the coaches. Each year we had a special group of girls who enjoyed being around each other and playing together.
The memories on and off the field are what made this so unforgettable. Coach Nyberg and coach Kyle Pierce were great role models who always pushed us to be our best.
They inspired us to work hard and never give up.
What was your favorite team activity or pre- or post-game ritual? My favorite team activity was the bus rides home after games. Being together after games helped create a sense of togetherness and unity.
Who have been your biggest role models? My parents because they have supported me, pushed me to always be my best on and off the field, and they taught me the importance of being a good teammate.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? That I love visiting coffee shops wherever I am and trying new flavors.
What do you plan to do after high school? I am going to attend the University of South Carolina to study nursing. My goal is to continue my education and become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
What are your favorite sports teams? The New York Rangers and New York Knicks.
What’s your go-to warm-up music? A mix between country, rap, and house music.
What’s one place you’ve never been but would love to visit? Hawaii because it has so many beaches, but also has a lot of adventurous things to do.
What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Lakeland flag football team? I would say do it. Even if you have never played before, I did not start until freshman year, you can learn and become part of something really special at Lakeland.
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