Bulldog Spotlight: Leigha Travis

Leigha Travis is a junior from Covington, Kentucky, and a mass communications and new media major. Travis is a member of the women's swimming and diving program. Learn more about her below as part of our Bulldog Spotlight series.

Q: What events do you compete in?
A: I compete in diving (1-meter, 3-meter, and platform).

Q: How did you get started as a swimmer/diver?
A: I was a competitive gymnast from the age of 6. My freshman year of high school, I was feeling extremely burnt out and ready to get involved with a sport at my high school. I decided to start diving because I already had the groundwork from my gymnastics career.

Q: What were the main reasons you decided UNC Asheville was the right place for you to come to school and compete on the swim & dive team?
A: I loved the all-women team and the family-like dynamic I witnessed on my official visit. I also love that Asheville values me as a person over just my abilities and what I can offer to the team.

Q: Name something that people should know about you other than you being a student-athlete.
A: I love animals and am really passionate about rescuing them. I spend a lot of time volunteering at local shelters, and I recently had my first foster fail and got my first dog.

Q: What is something unique you bring to Asheville based on where you are from?
A: Skyline Chili and Ale 8.

Q: If you had a full weekend off, what would you do with your time?
A: I would go on a hike with my friends and dogs, take a long nap, maybe go on a short trip to explore new restaurants, then get dressed up and go to dinner.

Q: What's your favorite swim/dive memory?
A: My favorite memory was our team retreat my sophomore year. We spent the weekend in a big lake house together, had so much fun, and everyone came back feeling really connected.

Q: What are your plans after graduating?
A: I plan to work in social media marketing for a professional sports team.

Q: What has been your favorite class at Asheville and why?
A: A glassblowing class. Even though it had nothing to do with my major, I loved challenging myself and learning something new that I probably wouldn't have experienced otherwise.

Q: What is your favorite phone app?
A: Pinterest

Q: What is your go-to car ride snack?
A: Alani, Gatorlyte, BBQ Pringles, and Sweet Tarts

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: Elly De La Cruz

Q: What is your favorite reality show?
A: Dance Moms

Q: What is your comfort show?
A: Gilmore Girls

Q: Who is your favorite artist?
A: Lizzy McAlpine

Q: What is your go-to motivational quote?
A: "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."