Sally Leask, Former Westman Magic Softball Star, Commits to Division 1 at Rider University

Sally Leask, a former Westman Magic standout, has made her dreams a reality by accepting a Division 1 softball scholarship to Rider University. Set to begin her academic journey in the fall of 2025, Sally will be majoring in Biology at the New Jersey-based university, just an hour from New York City and 15 minutes from Princeton

Reflecting on her decision to commit to Rider University, Sally expressed immense happiness. “I was so happy to commit to Rider as we have shown interest in one another for quite some time,” she said. “The more I learned and saw, the more I fell in love with the school, team, and coaches.” This mutual interest and connection solidified her decision to join the Broncs, making Rider University her top choice.

Sally was initially drawn to Rider University due to its prime location in the New York area, a place she has dreamed of living in since she was young. “Rider is in a suburban area about an hour from New York City and 15 minutes from Princeton. After speaking with the coach who recruited me and learning more about the program, it became my top pick,” Sally explained. “After meeting the head coach, some of the team, and seeing the campus, I just knew that’s where I want to be. I instantly felt welcomed and at home.” While she had other options ranging from Division 3 to Division 1 schools, Sally knew that Rider was the best fit for her.

As Sally prepares to move from Manitoba to New Jersey, she feels a mix of excitement and nerves. “I mainly feel excited but also nervous,” she admitted. “I am very close with my parents, so it will be a bit of a transition moving away, but I know they’ll help with the transition best they can, plus I’ll be in the best hands at Rider.”

Submitted Photo

Sally’s softball journey began at the age of 10, and she played with the Westman Magic for five seasons. During this time, the program played a pivotal role in her development and passion for the game. “Magic and Westman played a huge role in keeping my love for the game alive and my development to get me to the next level,” she shared.

In recent years, Sally has been playing for the Winnipeg Lightning and attending the Churchill Softball Academy, where she continues to hone her skills. “I moved to Winnipeg mainly to attend the Churchill Softball Academy, where I train every morning, working on pitching, hitting, fielding, and my mental game,” she said.

Sally is quick to acknowledge the many people who have supported her along her journey. “I definitely wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without my parents. They show me so much support, love, and encouragement in everything I do,” she said. “My dad spent countless hours practicing with me, teaching me what he learned from his fastball days. If he was busy, my mom and brother would step in to help me get my reps in.”

Sally also expressed her gratitude for her coaches, mentors, and community, including Bev Neufeld, Joel Charles, Kayla Price, Cara Miller, and her mentor and coach, Terrance Lacquette. “Cara Miller will always have a special place in my life,” Sally said. “Anything I learned both physically and mentally as a pitcher, I learned from her.”

Additionally, she acknowledged her strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Wood from Sport Manitoba, her friends and teammates, and the support from her community, Waywayseecappo First Nation and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.

While Sally primarily excels as a pitcher, she has also played other positions, including first base, shortstop, and outfield. Her versatility on the field adds to her value as a player, and she is ready to contribute wherever needed.

Submitted Photo

As Sally gears up for her freshman year at Rider University, she is focused on both academic and athletic preparation. “I plan on getting my overall average from a 91% to at least 95% before graduation,” she said. “I already have a plan in place with Jeff and Hailey on what we’re going to be working on this year to prepare me for my freshman year.”

In addition to working with her strength and conditioning coach and her softball coach, Sally will be playing with Team Toba and continuing to train with her family and mentor, Terrance Lacquette. “Any gaps will be filled in with hitting at Home Run, reps in my backyard diamond with my family, and mentoring from Terrance,” she added.

Sally is particularly focused on improving her pitching velocity and spin, as well as working on her hitting. “I can always improve on pitching, so I will be working on my velocity and spin, but I would also like to work on hitting,” she said.

With her eyes set on the future, Sally Leask is ready to take the next step in her softball journey at Rider University. As she embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the support and love of her family, coaches, and community, and the drive to excel both on and off the field.