Deb Leganski is a junior on the volleyball team at Judson University.  She is from Elgin, Illinois, and is a starting for the Eagles.  She also played softball for two years for Judson.  She was an all-American (NCCAA) for both sports in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.  She holds numerous records in both softball and volleyball for Judson and has been All-CCAC in both sports.

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By Leslie Talley

Judson Sports Information Student Assistant

Although Junior Debra Leganski is talented in many things, including softball, volleyball has been one of her best and favorite pastimes. Already playing three years at Judson and planning on a fourth, Leganski has learned many things during her total 11 years of participating. "Volleyball is just a game, and it's all about people! The teammates along side you!" she emphatically states.

Deb claims to love everything about the team, including devotional times and accountability within the close group. "We are very spiritually grounded as a team and we're constantly growing together," Leganski says. After traveling with the team to the Mt. Vernon Nazarene Tournament in Ohio in October, I know this statement is completely true. The team loves each other and strives to encourage one another both athletically and spiritually.

Deb's time at Judson hasn't always been easy. She tells of her initial reasons for attending Judson: "I originally chose to come to Judson because it was close to home and allowed me to maintain some relationships from high school," Leganski begins. "Well, God had other plans. My first semester I hated Judson," she admits. "I tried to transfer at semester by looking at other schools, but everywhere I [looked] just did not fit me. At this point I was so unclear of what I wanted, so I just decided to go back to Judson for second semester to see how things would go," Deb continues.

"I'm so glad I did because I met some amazing people who have forever changed my life. I slowly started to open up to the culture of Judson and I started attending Harvest Bible Chapel with my boyfriend. I truly became a Christian that semester I decided to stay," Leganski concludes.

Deb finishes recapping her experience by stating, "Ever since then, my relationship with God has grown every year and I'm seeing His work on me every semester!"

This spiritual growth has not only changed Deb's inner convictions; it also affects her outward attitude and actions in sports. "Becoming a Christian has definitely changed the way I react to situations on the court," she tells. "Once again, volleyball is just a game, and it's the people involved and the relationships built that matter the most," Leganski reiterates. "God has allowed us to be able to play this sport at Judson and we use this opportunity to grow closer to Him and [to] one another."

When asked about the lessons Deb has learned through sports that will affect her future life and career, she begins by saying, "I've had some good experiences in my athletic career and I've had some not so good experiences. These experiences have definitely made me want to graduate and get out into the world so I can begin to make a difference in the lives of children everyday!" she shares. "I feel that [they] are cheated in their physical education of basic skills. I want to start teaching children at a young age so I can provide them with the tools to be successful and confident in their future endeavors, including athletics," Leganski says.

"I will definitely take the positive experiences and implement them into my teaching practices," Deb continues. Leganski finishes by stating, "I believe in making athletics fun but also providing individual attention to every athlete to ensure equal opportunity for success."