West Liberty, W.Va. - One of the most accomplished student-athletes in West Liberty tennis history, Leanne McGhee combined elite athletic performance with academic excellence during a remarkable four-year career with the Lady Hilltoppers.

A native of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, McGhee quickly emerged as one of the top players in NCAA Division II tennis after arriving on the hilltop. She helped lead West Liberty to three consecutive WVIAC championships and earned national recognition as the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Player to Watch following her freshman season.

McGhee's senior season was the perfect culmination of an outstanding collegiate career. She went undefeated in WVIAC play and closed out her conference career in dominant fashion with a 6-0, 6-0 victory in the No. 1 singles championship match at the WVIAC Tournament. The 2003 WVIAC Player of the Year finished her career with nearly 60 victories while earning a place among the top NCAA Division II singles players in the Great Lakes Region during each of her final two seasons.

While her accomplishments on the court were impressive, McGhee was equally successful in the classroom. She was named to the Dean's List all four years at West Liberty and was recognized as the 2004 WVIAC Senior Scholar-Athlete. Graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Physical Therapy, she continued her education at Wheeling Jesuit University, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Today, McGhee, now Leanne Straub, serves as a Pediatric Physical Therapist at WVU Wheeling Hospital, helping improve the lives of children and their families throughout the Ohio Valley. When reflecting on her time at West Liberty, one experience immediately comes to mind. "My favorite memory was making it to Nationals my freshman year in Hawaii," McGhee said. "It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with the entire team."

McGhee credits much of her success to the coaches who helped shape her both as an athlete and as a person. "One hundred percent Coaches Jim Crutchfield and Sam McCullough," she said. "They taught me about work ethic, not only in training on the court, but transitioning that same focus to life off the court. They were always there for me whenever I needed anything."

The lessons she learned at West Liberty continue to influence her life and career today. Her advice to current Hilltoppers is straightforward. "Work hard to achieve your goals," McGhee said. "You can do anything you put your mind to."

More than two decades after graduating, McGhee remains deeply appreciative of the relationships and opportunities that defined her college experience. "I am so proud to be an alumna," she said. "The family and friends that I made at West Liberty will forever be a part of me. I will always be thankful to Coach Crutchfield for giving me the opportunity to come to the United States and be part of an amazing team. Thank you to everyone who made West Liberty feel like a home for so many years. Let's go Toppers!"

Her legacy as a champion, scholar, and ambassador for West Liberty University was formally recognized in 2017 when she was inducted into the West Liberty University Hall of Fame. Through her success on the court, in the classroom, and in her profession, McGhee continues to exemplify the values and traditions of Hilltopper athletics.


Quick Hits with Leanne McGhee

Sport Played at West Liberty:
Tennis 2000-04

Major:
Exercise Physiology

Minor:
Physical Therapy

Years Attended West Liberty:
2000-2004

What are you doing now?
Pediatric Physical Therapist at WVU Wheeling Hospital

Favorite Memory of West Liberty:
Making it to the NCAA National Tournament in Hawaii during her freshman year and sharing the experience with the entire team.

Advice to Current Athletes or Students:
"Work hard to achieve your goals. You can do anything you put your mind to."

What Does It Mean to Be a West Liberty Alumna?
"I am so proud to be an alumna. The family and friends that I made at West Liberty will forever be a part of me. I will always be thankful to Coach Crutchfield for giving me the opportunity to come to the United States and be part of an amazing team. Thank you to everyone who made West Liberty feel like a home for so many years. Let's go Toppers!"

Most Influential Coaches or Teammates:
Coaches Jim Crutchfield and Sam McCullough, who taught her the importance of work ethic on and off the court and provided unwavering support throughout her collegiate career.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.