RIPON, Wis. - The Ripon College Track & Field program has hired Rachel Leonard as the team's Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Leonard comes to Ripon after serving as assistant track & field and cross country coach at her Alma Mater, Colby College, in Waterville, Maine for the past two years.

"I am thrilled to have Rachel as an addition to our athletic department," Kane said. "Beyond being a standout performer on the track as a student-athlete, she has shown tremendous leadership as a coach. Her knowledge and passion about the sport will contribute to the progression that the track & field program has been building. She is professional, detail-oriented, and highly motivated. We look forward to Rachel coming to campus and contributing to the program's growth."

During her time as an assistant coach at Colby, Leonard worked closely with the head coach to support 65 student-athletes at practice and competitions, while planning and directing home meets and coordinating team travel needs for away meets. Her duties also included managing a database of 5,000 prospective students and facilitating the recruiting process and campus visits. In addition to that, she created social media content that increased alumni, family, and community following by 58 percent.

A 2019 graduate of Colby, Leonard was a three-time Division-III National qualifier as a student-athlete, while also holding the school record in the 500 meters. Named Team Captain as a senior, Leonard also served as a student assistant coach that year.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the Ripon College Track & Field program and I want to thank Athletic Director Ryan Kane and Head Coach Bob Wood for giving me this amazing opportunity," Leonard said. "I'm ready to get started and am looking forward to this next chapter with the Red Hawks."

Leonard received her B.A. in Latin American Studies from Colby and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Education from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. She received her USTFCCCA Track & Field certification in September of 2019 and is also certified in USTFCCCA Strength & Conditioning and Meet Management.