Off Campus Athlete: Tumbling and beyond
Leila is always in motion; she can’t think of life any other way.
Leila Walton was very young when she joined gymnastics as she saw someone doing it and got motivated and wanted to give it a try. She practices at Northbay Athletics Association in Vallejo. She has been competing so long that she could not recall how many different meets she has been involved in. She has participated in a lot of competitions, both regional and state. This talented person has won 60+ awards. She has been practicing for 7 years and is there 20 hours a week. When asked for one piece of advice to someone contemplating on getting involved in gymnastics she said, “ to just be ready for long hours and do not slack off in school and be ready to work hard.”
Walton’s favorite piece of equipment is the uneven bars. “The Association makes sure that we are also focused on school and the teammates are like a family,” she said.
Not only is she active in gymnastics but, at school, she also participates in track. While she enjoys her time on the team, there is one thing she would change if she had the chance. She wishes students would realize that they are all here to learn and take advantage of the opportunity. She has very high dreams herself and is working to fulfill them.
When she finds free time for herself, she enjoys listening to music, going to beach and reading books. Walton plans to go to UC Davis after graduating and eventually wants to become a veterinarian.
Walton is the youngest of four children. Dennis, her half-brother on her father’s side, is 30 years old while Tasia Morris and Amman Morris, her half-sisters on her mother’s side are 16 and 17 years old respectively.
