Cool Cat: Leah Ingold
Interview by Noah Wright | Photos by CWU Athletics & Leah Ingold
“Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.” This is a common mantra in CWU’s Athletic Administration, and for alumni Leah Ingold, it rings true. Ingold, who graduated in 2019 with a MS in sports and athletic administration, has returned this year to take up the position of graduate assistant for the women’s rugby team. As a rugby player during her undergraduate years, Ingold exemplifies the idea that CWU athletics do not end when you graduate. Here is why you should know this cool cat.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Munich, but grew up in Kent, WA.
What made you choose to attend CWU the first time?
They had a great rugby team with a roster of amazing players. I also wanted to study Law & Justice, and Central had a good program. I was signed to another university but after coming to a summer rugby camp, I felt that the culture and personnel at CWU would allow me to grow as an athlete and as an adult.
What brought you back the second time?
After changing careers, I knew that I really wanted to work in university athletics. I was always privy to the fact that Central had a very successful Sports & Athletic Administration program, so that kept the school on my radar. When I heard that the Women’s Rugby Graduate Assistant position had opened up, I thought of it as a sign. Coaching was always a path I wanted to take in my rugby career and having a head coach like Matt [Ramirez], I knew I would learn exponentially. Ellensburg is always the small town that no one thinks they will miss, but it definitely feels like home being back.
What do you hope to gain from your second experience at CWU?
I hope to gain as much experience as I can within the athletics program. My dream job is to one day be an athletic director, however, I fully understand the resume and background needed to achieve that. That means not just staying in the rugby bubble, but also branching out and networking with our compliance coordinator and academic success director. I hope to refine my communication and leadership skills in regards to the mentor-athlete parallel.
How has CWU changed since you attended the school?
In some aspects, a lot has changed. Whether that be from the pandemic or new personnel within the athletics department. In other aspects, not much has changed. CWU is still a very diverse and accepting university. I think that when it comes to adversity, Central and its members have always been resilient.
Besides education, what did you take part in while attending?
I participated in a lot during my undergraduate years. I was part of the Mock Trial Club, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), Resonate, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and I also had many jobs on campus, including athletics security, custodian services and SURC kitchen services. I really enjoyed my time with SAAC, especially serving as their secretary my senior year. Learning about the NCAA’s rules and regulations and how to enhance the student-athlete experience was definitely a factor in my career change.
What was it like being a student athlete at CWU?
Extraordinary! Up until my spring semester of high school, I did not see myself playing sports in college. Women’s rugby had just joined the NCAA in 2014 so I was not aware of what it meant to be part of a university varsity sport. Sure, you get the gear, the facilities and the student-athlete title, but for me I gained a family. A team of female athletes that were collectively yearning to both grow in the sport and be pushed academically. It was a community that I did not know I needed. I do have to give a special shoutout to personnel like Sammy Henderson and professor Robert Shaffer Claridge. These two helped me excel as a student athlete at CWU.
Is this your first career after graduating?
My first career after graduating was enlisting in the Air Force with a Security Forces AFSC. I was active duty at Offutt AFB, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord before joining the Air National Guard. My primary duties were law enforcement and asset/resource protection. I secured aircrafts assigned from the DOE all the way to FLOTUS.
What are three interesting facts about you?
I have a pug puppy named Puck.
My first love is rugby, but I am an avid Duke Basketball fan.
I represented the USA national rugby team twice, with the U-18 and U-23 squads.
What is a quote you live by?
“And that truth is that you did everything that you could. There wasn't one more thing that you could've done. Can you live in that moment, as best you can.” – Coach Gary Gaines
Do you have any words of wisdom for our student readers?
Find your passion, whether that is with academics or athletics. The simple truth is that if you do not enjoy something, you are not going to put 100% into it. Central is here to provide you with opportunities for a better future, use their resources to your full advantage. As well as always make time for yourself. I am a huge advocate for mental health. Check in with yourself from time to time and adjust what needs adjusting.
