Matt Leonard finished his Churchill lacrosse career as the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 194. He helped lead the Bulldogs to 4A/3A West region titles in 2012 and 2013, ending rival Wootton’s six-year reign as region champion.
After a successful high school career, Leonard, a 2013 Churchill graduate, will play lacrosse at Towson University. Leonard received a partial scholarship and will likely study business finance. He recently took part in a Q and A with The Almanac via email.
*Almanac: What made Towson the right fit for you?
Leonard: I really loved the campus and the coaching staff. On my visits to TU, they really made me feel like I was part of the team already. I am also excited that family and friends will be able to make the short one-hour trip to see games.
*Almanac: What is your favorite memory of playing lacrosse at Churchill?
Leonard: Beating Wootton in the regional championship my senior year. It was my second time winning the region and it was that much better beating Wootton for it.
*Almanac: What are you most looking forward to about the transition from high school to college?
Leonard: The overall change of pace in the game and playing with other great players.
*Almanac: At what age did you start playing lacrosse? Did you imagine you'd one day play it in college?
Leonard: I started playing in fourth grade but I didn't really start taking it seriously till about seventh grade, when I started playing for travel teams in the area. I'd always think about it, but it didn't really kick in until I started playing in recruiting tournaments with my club team in the summer and fall.
*Almanac: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?
Leonard: No one in particular. I listen to a lot of rap music and a lot of EDM kind of music.
*Almanac: What’s your favorite movie?
Leonard: Gladiator.
*Almanac: What is your favorite hobby outside of lacrosse?
Leonard: Hanging out with friends.
*Almanac: What location is the farthest you’ve traveled from the Washington, D.C. metro area?
Leonard: For lacrosse? I've been to Florida for a tournament and I'm going there again this summer for a showcase. Otherwise, I think Hawaii would be the farthest.
— Jon Roetman