Leppard leads South Carolina girls track and field Class of 2030 in the 800-meter dash.
Read more below from Leppard and Highlanders' track and field coach Willis Ware.
Leppard ran a personal best of 5:21 in the 1600-meter run at the SCTCCCA Bob Jenkins Coaches Classic District 4 Meet on March 21.
Leppard told MileSplit South Carolina she had knee pain during the 2025 South Carolina cross country season.
"At the beginning of cross country season I was having problems with my knees," said Leppard. "I had to do a lot of physical therapy to get my legs strong again. I have really enjoyed getting back in shape, running hard, and being with my teammates. My goals are to continue getting stronger and faster so I can help my team."
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From the Coach
Willis Ware, Heathwood Hall Coach:
"Equally important, Cate contributes to the team's culture off the track. The girls genuinely enjoy one another's company, and their unique personalities create an environment that is both competitive and fun. Cate's sense of humor and calm demeanor add to that atmosphere, making practices and meets enjoyable for the team." - Willis Ware, Heathwood Hall track and field coach
"Cate is a dedicated student-athlete who does an excellent job balancing her academic responsibilities with her commitment to athletics. Although she is only an eighth grader, she has already emerged as a strong example of hard work and discipline both in the classroom and on the track.
Cate not only embraces the opportunity to compete, but she also genuinely enjoys the preparation and training that come with it. She is driven to excel and consistently demonstrates a willingness to put in the work necessary to be her best.
Her 5:21 performance in the 1600 meters-a seven-second improvement over last year's personal record-at the Bob Jenkins SCTCCCA Coaches Classic District 4 Meet was a breakthrough moment this season. That time placed her at the top among SCISA eighth-grade runners and ranked her third among all eighth graders in the state of South Carolina. Additionally, her 11:45 in the 3200 meters, run at the Heathwood Hall Woodward Invitational, ranks first among SCISA eighth graders and fourth overall in the state. While the 11:45 falls short of her goal for the season, she is well-positioned to run faster as we enter the final month.
Cate has already made a meaningful impact on the team and continues to benefit from the leadership of the older runners who have helped build a strong and competitive distance-running culture. I anticipate that she will continue to influence the team in positive and impactful ways as she pushes herself toward excellence.
Equally important, Cate contributes to the team's culture off the track. The girls genuinely enjoy one another's company, and their unique personalities create an environment that is both competitive and fun. Cate's sense of humor and calm demeanor add to that atmosphere, making practices and meets enjoyable for the team."
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By the Numbers: 2026 Eighth Grade South Carolina Track and Field Distance Runner Rankings