Laredo Sports Medicine Clinic is proud to announce our spotlight athlete for May 2015…Leilany Aylin Barberena!
For most, swimming is a summertime recreation. In Laredo, the fun sometimes extends for a month or two longer, just because the weather allows it. However, for one nautical athlete, the splash of the water is not enough to quench her competitive fire. For her, the pool is not her recreation; it’s her arena.
Our spotlight athlete’s story begins as an incoming freshman. Looking for a challenge, Leilany decided to join an extra curricular activity. After weighing her options, she chose to join the United High School Swim Team.
Leilany has been an active member of United High School’s Swim Team for the past four years. This academic school year alone, she has received the following recognitions: Gold medal in the 500 free style at the District competition, a silver medal for her performance in the 200 free style relay, and a silver medal for her performance in the 400 style relay.
Outside of her involvement in her school’s swim team, Leilany also divides her time as a member of the Laredo Nadadores, a comprehensive competitive swim program. This program allows her to improve her technique and competition skills.
Aside from competitive swimming, Leilany enjoys martial arts. She is a member of both Saito Martial Arts and Tora Karate Martial Arts Academy. Recently, Leilany received her Blue/Red belt from Saito Martial Arts and she won 2nd place in a Federation tournament she participated in with Tora Karate Martial Arts Academy.
Not only is her sports history impressive, what’s equally impressive is her academic achievement. Less than one month away from graduation, Leilany will be graduating with quite a remarkable resume. She currently holds a 3.929 GPA and is ranked 100 out of graduating class of 1,023. During her free time, Leilany enjoys volunteering in our community for organizations such as the LULAC council, the Area Health Education Corp, and Divine Mercy Catholic Church. To date, she has amassed an amazing 344 community service hours.
After graduation, Leilany will be attending the University of Texas in San Antonio where she plans on studying Biology and Pre-med. After she is done with Pre-med, she has dreams of continuing her studies at Baylor Medical School to pursue her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Her drive to become a pediatrician began when her own pediatrician, Dr. Sara Campos, once attended to one of her injuries in a very nurturing and patient manner. That particular day left such an impact on Leilany that she decided to one day become a pediatrician herself so that she can convey that same nurture and patience to children.
What keeps her motivated is a quote she once heard from Michael Phelps,
“I wouldn’t say anything is impossible. I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and put the work and time into it.”
Leilany is a firm believer in that. Her drive to succeed both in sports and in academics is an inspiration.
LSMC congratulates and is proud to recognize Leilany Aylin Barberena as May’s Spotlight Athlete.
