Track & Field: Holmes Named League Athlete Of The Year

It’s been an incredible run for junior Leah Holmes over the past few months. After an impressive cross-country season, Holmes was named the league’s athlete of the year and a conference champion last November. Last Friday was another milestone in Holmes’ career, as she was named the Alfreeda Goff Athlete of the Year for the indoor track and field season. Milwaukee head coach Pete Corfeld has seen Holmes progress and use fall’s cross-country honors as motivation throughout the track season.

“Ever since she won cross-country this fall, that has been a total confidence boost for her to go after any race – no matter the distance – and that has shown in her results,” Corfeld said.

The recognition doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Holmes has been unstoppable this season, finishing first or second in every event she participated in with the exception of one. Her mile time was clocked in as the second fastest time in Milwaukee Panther history. Holmes claims the best mile time in the Horizon League this season, along with the second best 800m and the third best 3000k times in the league.

“She’s a program maker. It’s great that she is realizing her potential, especially in our program,” her coach added. “We are incredibly proud of her and are excited to see her continue to grow.”

Holmes hasn’t just produced individually. She helped the Milwaukee distance medley relay team post the fastest league time of the season. The time of 11:56.36 ranks just outside the nation’s top 100 times and is second in school history.

Milwaukee track and field, both indoor and outdoor, has been on a roll. It’s the seventh time in 12 years a Milwaukee indoor track athlete has earned the award. Holmes is the 14th track and field athlete to be honored as athlete of the year. The junior will look to continue improving and help the Panthers compete for a Horizon League Championship.