Marcus and Anna Leo are siblings whose support and recognition of each other’s accomplishments comes across from the start. While competition is a regular part of their lives, Marcus and Anna don’t feel competitive with each other. These brother and sister student-athletes encourage and lift each other up, as opposed to being at odds, as teenage siblings so often are.
“I’m incredibly proud of her and her accomplishments,” said Marcus. “She’s way more motivated than I’ve ever been and takes on a lot of work. Doing everything she does and competing at the state level is just amazing. I try to tell her ‘good job’ as often as I can.”
Anna wants Marcus to feel proud of his accomplishments and go easier on himself.
“He can be hard on himself and gets stressed. Sometimes he really just needs to say ‘I did it. I’m doing good.’
Marcus and Anna recently had the honor of each attending the NY State Championships in their respective sports; Marcus for Indoor Track and Field, and Anna for Nordic Ski.
In Mayfield’s first year of having an established Indoor Track and Field team, Marcus was able to secure his place at the State Championships in the 55m dash, finishing 25th at the March 6 event at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. For Marcus, attending states was a fun experience and the perfect opportunity to build on his skills for the upcoming Outdoor Track season.
“I went to states in my sophomore year and then in my junior year I just missed qualifying,” said Marcus. “So being a senior and getting to the state level for indoor track was a great way to build on my confidence going into the outdoor season, I’m excited for what’s to come.”
When asked about any anxiety or nervousness, he said he remains positive and focused on the moment.
“I think of all the training I’ve done that has brought me to this point and how any negative thoughts I have are just going to negatively affect me,” said Marcus. “I just try to remain confident in myself and trust my own body to do the rest.”
Marcus is a member of National Honor Society and after graduation plans to study business management focusing on entrepreneurship, eventually starting his own business. He’d like to attend either SUNY Buffalo or SUNY Albany, recently receiving a Capital District Leadership Scholarship from the latter.
Marcus and Anna are fortunate to have their mother, Heather Leo, as a coach and mentor at Mayfield school. Heather has coached Outdoor Track and Field for many years, a sport that Anna also participates in during the spring, and is now coaching Indoor Track and Field. The Leo siblings say competing is a family effort, with their mother as a coach and and their father attending and volunteering at all of their events.
“We are always there cheering each other on,” said Anna. “I don’t think I’ve ever missed one of his races.”
A week before Marcus went to states, Anna competed with over 200 athletes at the NYS Skiing Championship at the Bristol Nordic Center in Canandaigua.
At the championships, she skied alongside Northville teammate, Brynn Thomarie, and despite not feeling her best, finished 37th out of 50 – a position to be proud of as a younger competitor.
Anna has been participating on the Nordic ski team since 7th grade, but has been a downhill skier since she was about two years old, an activity her parents taught her and one her entire family participated in when they were younger. When asked about competing at states she said for right now it was really about getting the experience.
“Once I qualified for states I wasn’t as nervous anymore, I was just glad to be going,” said Anna. “When it comes time to compete I love the adrenaline rush of the race and feeling that sense of accomplishment afterward.”
While she participates in multiple sports throughout the year, Anna tries to remain focused on her studies, stating that good grades and the opportunities they can provide are her real focus.
“I like participating in sports, but my academics are what’s most important to me,” said Anna. “Science and math are really my strong suits. My goal is to get into an Ivy League school and possibly go into law or medicine.”
Mayfield Athletic Director Jon Caraco commented on the sibling’s work ethic and dedication.
“Marcus and Anna are two athletes blessed with great ability, but ability alone does not explain their successes,” said Caraco. “They work hard and have a drive that goes a long way. They are willing to put time and energy into their training, and they both have a great attitude and mindset.”