Illness may have been the one thing
that has prevented Morgann LeLeux
from breaking the national record
of 14-2.
Photo courtesy of Shane LeLeux
Carrying a strong 3.7 grade point average, Morgann demonstrated her intelligence when it came to picking a college. She said she was the one who interviewed 13 college coaches, eventually choosing the University of Georgia (over Auburn and Penn State) so she can continue track and gymnastics.
Asked about the Olympics, she replied, "I want at least to go to the trials in 2012. It won't be a big deal and my life won't be over (if she doesn't make the USA team). (The year) 2016 is going to be my year. I want to break world records."
National pole vault expert Greg Duplantis, who lives in nearby Lafayette, La., sees Morgann reaching many of her goals.
"The first time I saw her, I thought she would be the first high school 15-footer," he said. "She already would have if she hadn't gotten sick. Morgann is very gymnastic, elegant and smooth. She's so fit, so strong and super advanced.
"She's more of a gymnast on a pole. She's done a lot with a little training. She's pretty raw pole vault-wise. When she becomes a good runner, she's going to be really, really good. She can jump 16-0 out of high school. I can see her jumping at a world-class level."
Despite her success in track and gymnastics, Morgann has ambitions beyond sports.
Morgann LeLeux won the New Balance
Indoor Championships last month
at 13-8¼.
Photo courtesy of Shane LeLeux
"Dancing is her first love," Shane said. "She's a better dancer than a gymnast or pole vaulter. Her ultimate goal is to be a Broadway star. If she wants to do it, she will do it."
Morgann, who won a dance contest in New Orleans, said she hopes to go to New York following her vaulting career and try out for a back-up dancing role on Broadway. She wants to attend Juilliard and live in New York City. She loves Times Square. Her ultimate dream is to choreograph her own shows.
Don't be surprised to see Morgann LeLeux some day on "Dancing With The Stars."
"I don't put any limits on that kid," Shane said.
