By: John Jay Sports Information
This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former John Jay women's basketball and softball player Barbara Leahy-Edwards (B.S. 1978). Leahy-Edwards was a four-year member of the women's basketball team from 1974-1978 and also played softball in her senior year. She was a member of the first John Jay women's basketball team and was a three-year team captain, two-time Team MVP, and led the team in scoring for two seasons. In 1976, the point guard was named the John Jay College Female Student-Athlete of the Year. In the following season, Leahy-Edwards led her team to an 18-7 record and the Mid-Hudson Valley Championship game. In her senior season, the center fielder batted .433 and led the squad in runs scored and RBI's. Leahy-Edwards was inducted into the first John Jay College Hall of Fame Class in 1993.
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduation, I accepted a graduate assistantship at the University of Illinois at Chicago in Athletic Administration. Coaching college and high school basketball for over 30 years kept me in the Chicago area where I raised a family and currently reside.
2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
Being inducted into the John Jay Hall of Fame, induction into the GCAC Hall of Fame, coaching teams to state and national championships, former athletes who have received college scholarships and students who have achieved remarkable success. As an artist, having my paintings displayed in Times Square twice are some of my most memorable moments.
3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
All the wonderful professors, coaches and friends I made along the way. Especially Bob Fox, the men's coach, who I still talk to today. Being on the very first John Jay basketball team and playing in the city championships vs. St. John's University.
4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
"You can do it!" Trust in yourself, your coaches and teammates. And of course, positive attitude and hard work.
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
Life is full of adventures and opportunities.
6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
Not currently but I still play for fun! After I retire this May, I'm considering coaching again.
2018 Women's Basketball Season Update: The women's basketball team will open up the 2018-19 season on Saturday, November 10, when the Bloodhounds travel to Keystone College. The team will host its home opener on Wednesday, November 14, when the Bloodhounds face Albertus Magnus College at 6:00 pm at the Doghouse. The squad returns four players and head coach
Lynda Day has recruited eight new faces. Almost all home games at the Doghouse will be live streamed at
www.johnjayathletics.com/watch!
Are you an athletics alumni and want to be featured in a spotlight article? Please fill out a questionnaire at www.johnjayathletics.com/alumniquestions and a member of the athletics staff will contact you.
Follow John Jay Athletics
Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ YouTube
