Hello world,

This is me doing me!

My name is Sumar Leslie. I am the proud daughter of Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Patricia Leslie of Houma, Louisiana. I am the equally proud sister of four brothers (Troy, Isaiah, Raymond David and Lionheart) and three sisters (Shun, Salunda and Starr) — all of whom I love dearly.

My greeting to you is conventional, but that is the only thing normal about my life and my ambition.

I wasn’t born with a basketball in my arms, but I certainly grew up with one in my hands. From my earliest days, I played ball and was active. Heck, I did everything that all the other kids did. Whether it was a boy activity like football or just a typical children’s activity like hide and go seek or checkers, you name it, I did it! Even despite being labeled as a Tom Boy by my brothers (whom I wasn’t afraid to get dirty with in any sport they chose to play), I still did like girl things and keeping my appearance on point, too!

But make no mistake about it, basketball was always sort of the first love – the sort of apple that caught my eye. It was always the sport I excelled at, even in the earliest levels and it was always something I enjoyed doing – always something I wanted to continue to do for as long as humanly possible!

From that balanced upbringing, I transitioned from child into young adult and enrolled at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. While there, I played for longtime coach Kathy Luke and also several of the best players I’ve ever played with or against in my entire career. It truly was an unbelievable ride and a remarkable experience!

At Vandebilt, I was blessed to begin to foster my talent and showcase it to the world! As a Lady Terrier, I accumulated 2,344 points, 562 assists and 495 steals – each are school records. It truly is hard to envision doing something that no one else has ever done before – especially at a school as special as Vandebilt. But I don’t look at my records as accomplishments of myself. I never have. I, instead look at each, knowing they are true blessings from above and are also sure signs of what one can do when they work hard and put their faith in God to create positive opportunity.

My Vandebilt accomplishments – and truly any other accomplishments in my life – are not Sumar Leslie victories. They never have been, nor never will be. They are victories for faith, positivity, hard work, family and togetherness – five things that define who I am as both a player and a young, aspiring woman.

After my journey at Vandebilt, I was afforded the opportunity to continue my playing career at the collegiate level. I chose following my senior season to commit to the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where I played for my first two collegiate seasons.

My stay in Monroe was bittersweet and ultimately, through prayer I decided with my family that it wasn’t a place that I wanted to complete my collegiate career. There are multiple reasons for that decision, but no matter what did or didn’t happen at Monroe, I will always hold firm that a) things happen for a reason and b) my being there was a blessing. Things didn’t happen 100 percent the way I wanted in my first collegiate stop, but I grew a lot as a woman and basketball player – and that is something that’s a true gift from God.

I transferred from ULM in the middle of my sophomore year and decided it was time to go back home. I committed to continue my collegiate career at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, which is less than 30 minutes away from Houma. In doing so, I opted to play for Coach DoBee Plaisance, who has always been up front with me about both my future and the team’s goals going forward.

I played at Nicholls for two seasons and I have to admit, my experience has been full of challenges, but the person I am today is better because I’ve come here.

My first season back on the court, our team struggled and didn’t win many games. To top it off, I broke my hand in the middle of conference play and had to miss the back-half of the season. The injury was like every other – it stunk! But like so many other challenges, it made me see a different side of life. Watching my teammates play without me made me realize just how pure my love for the game is and just how special my talent actually is.

With my hand 100 percent, I worked hard all last summer, depositing my blood and sweat at any gym I could find to refine my game. I’m happy to say that those efforts, combined with similar efforts from my teammates resulted in one of Nicholls State’s best-ever seasons. My teammates and I won our school’s first-ever Southland Conference game — a true blessing.

With my Nicholls career now complete, I was blessed to take my journey to the professional level. I played one season of pro ball in Puerto Rico for the San German Athletics, leading my team to the playoffs. I also have played for the Louisiana Bayou Angels.

And in December of 2016, I signed a contract to play for the Werribee Devils in Australia. I am so excited and so blessed for that wonderful opportunity!

All about the kids!

In recent years, I’ve also made a commitment to the kids. I’ve created a youth organization called The Young Generation (TYG). With TYG, I mentor children and teach them life lessons through the sport I love. I am not retired, and I still definitely aim to return overseas to continue my playing career. But while I wait, I might as well make a difference to others.

Who knows what the future might hold?

But rest assured, Sumar Leslie will be a big part of someone’s plans!

Thanks for your time and enjoy your visit!

God Bless!

-Sumar