Some people try one sport and stick with it. 

Senior Margaret Liekar did the opposite. As a senior in high school, she built her life around competition, teamwork, and constant movement. From a very young age, sports were not just something she did, they became who she is. Every practice, every game, and every challenge helped shape the person she is today.

  Liekar’s journey started earlier than most.

  “I’ve always played different sports,” Likar said. “I was given soccer cleats at age 2 and since then I’ve played almost every sport you could think of.” 

That early start turned into years of experience across different teams and environments. As she got older, she continued to add more sports instead of choosing just one.

 “I started playing volleyball at 12, softball at 15, and flag football at 16,” she said.

 Each sport taught her something different, but together they built her strong mindset and work ethic.

Being part of a team is one of the biggest reasons Liekar loves sports. 

“I’ve always enjoyed being part of a team,” she said. “I’m highly competitive, and I just thoroughly enjoy working out. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.” 

For her, it’s not just about the scoreboard. It’s about pushing herself and being surrounded by people who are working toward the same goal. She also shared that she is the type of person who would “rather be busy 24/7 than have too much free time.” That mindset explains how she handles such a full schedule and still stays motivated.

Even though each sport is different, Liekar believes the mindset stays the same. 

“I think having a sports mindset doesn’t really differ towards different sports,” she said. To her, being an athlete is about discipline, focus, and effort no matter what game she is playing. Still, one sport stands out the most. 

“I would say softball feels most like me because I have a huge passion for baseball and I love being outside,” she said. “I enjoy the pace of the game and how a single swing can change the entire outcome of a game.” 

That connection makes softball more than just a sport to her. It feels personal. Balancing multiple sports during the same season can sound overwhelming, but Liekar  makes it work. 

“A typical week for me when seasons overlap honestly isn’t as much as you’d think,” she said. “I usually have softball games during the week and flag football games during the weekend.” 

Her schedule stays busy, but she has learned how to manage her time and energy. She also mentioned that having a strong relationship with her coaches helps a lot. Looking ahead, her future plays a big role in her motivation. “Enlisting in the Marines is a huge motivation and gives intention to everything I do,” she said. 

 When she feels tired or loses motivation, she turns to her faith and reminds herself why she started.

At the end of it all, Liekar knows what matters most to her. 

“If I had to give up two of my sports tomorrow I would keep softball one hundred percent,” she said. “I genuinely love the sport, my team, and my coaches.” 

Her story shows what dedication really looks like. Through years of hard work, long practices, and staying committed, she has built more than just athletic skill. She has built discipline, strength, and a clear path for her future.

 As her senior year comes to an end, Liekar leaves behind a story that proves success comes from passion and never slowing down.

Not that she’d ever want to.