RHINELANDER, Wis. — Practicing 3-pointers alone in the gym helped make Leah Jamison a dangerous shooter from long range for the Rhinelander Hodags.
“I do like the 3-point shot,” said Jamison.
What You Need To Know
- Leah Jamison is a three-sport athlete from Rhinelander
- She consciously tried to set the example for younger student-athletes at the school
- Jamison is also involved in Key Club and earns straight "A's"
- Next year, Jamison will take her outstanding work ethic to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Head girls basketball coach Ryan Clark called Jamison the leader on his team.
“She’s just the most inviting, kind kid you can imagine,” said Clark. “Extremely hardworking, really dedicated, but no entitlement, and any kid in our program, if they need anything, Leah just takes care of them.”
She consciously tried to set the example for younger student-athletes at the school.
“I had seniors older than me who looked out for me and were very encouraging and inspiring. I try to be like that,” said Jamison.
A cross-country and soccer team captain, the three-sport athlete impressed her coaches, especially while battling injuries during the fall.
“She just showed a ton of grit, and everyone looks up to her. She’s that kid that’s going to go out there and give her best effort day in and day out, and that’s all you can ask for in a teammate and a leader,” said MJ Laggis, Rhinelander cross-country coach.
Jamison originally joined the cross-country team to get in shape for basketball but learned to love the sport.
“I just really enjoyed running because it took my mind off all the school work and everything else I had to do that day,” said Jamison.
Eva Hetland said she’s known Jamison since the two were babies and called her friend “very driven.”
“Sometimes when I don’t feel like doing this worksheet or homework, she’s always like, “Well Eva, go and do it.’ She’s always the example of what I should be doing, and she’s a very responsible person," said Hetland.
The two teamed up for an impactful Key Club project.
“Literacy Program takes all kindergarteners in the school district of Rhinelander, and they all receive two free books,” said Hetland, Key Club vice president.
Jamison served as the club president.
“As a club, we go over and read the books to the kids, and the kids absolutely loved it,” said Jamison.
The program inspired other groups, and next year the Literacy Program will expand to include kindergartners through fifth graders.
Jamison accomplished these feats while earning straight “A’s” throughout her high school career. She said it wasn’t easy.
“It definitely does not come naturally. It takes a lot of work. I don’t think a lot of people understand how much work it takes,” explained Jamison. “When people are out having fun on weekends and at night and stuff, I’ll usually be at home studying or working on projects. You have to be disciplined to be able to get stuff done.”
Next year, Jamison will take her outstanding work ethic to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She ultimately wants to become a radiologist.
When Jamison leaves Rhinelander, she won’t be forgotten by those close to her.
“She’s just one of those, that walking in the hallways, probably five, ten years later, I’ll still be talking about Leah Jamison,” said Clark.
Both Clark and Laggis hope she eventually returns to the area.
“Being the dad of a 5-year-old daughter, I want her to turn out just like her,” said Laggis.
Leah Jamison set the example in her school and community with her hard work and kindness while leaving a lasting imprint on others.