Transylvania's Leon Nominated for Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year

By Press release submission

Aug 11, 2022

Transylvania University's Ysa Leon, has been named as a nominee for the 2022 Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year Award. This award honors the academic achievements, athletic excellence and service/leadership of LGBTQ student-athletes in NCAA Division III.

"I am very proud of Ysa for their efforts in continuing to grow the inclusivity of our campus community and athletic department," said Transy Women's Lacrosse Head Coach, Rachael Bragg. "It's important for all students and student athletes to have a safe space in their community and I believe that Ysa's hard work is helping to continue to develop that on Transy's campus."

Ysa is a Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication major, works in the TU Writing Center, and serves as president of Transylvania's One Team. They were also part of the Transylvania Women's Lacrosse team's first NCAA win in program history this past spring. At the Rafy's, Transylvania Athletics' end of year banquet, Ysa received the Inspiration Award.

Pictured above: Leon receiving the Inspiration Award at The Rafy's.

Nominees are chosen for their efforts and dedication to promoting and advocating for an LGBTQ-inclusive athletics department, campus and community within a DIII institution.

"Warmest congratulations on this richly-deserved recognition," shared Transylvania President Brien Lewis. "We are very grateful to you for all you have done for the Transy community."

While this award highlights an individual, Ysa wanted the light to shine on the Transy community and how it has come together to support queer student-athletes.

"It's bigger than me, but I'm grateful that I was able to help facilitate it," reflected Leon. "I'm extremely thankful for all of the support we've gotten from Transy's athletic department, especially Holly, Coach Hastings, and Coach Bragg, as well as my executive board (Erin, Vianne, and others that are still getting established). None of this would be possible without their support and the support from the team. Being a queer (and especially trans) athlete is difficult, to say the least. There are constant issues we face every day that remind us we're different from other athletes. There are national debates around the validity of transgender existence, let alone our place in sports. It's important to recognize this while we celebrate our achievements. This activism is far from over, and I'm excited to see what more we can do at Transy and beyond."