Echo Fall 2024 - 7

T
racy (Reffeor '91) Leaman's life is
a testament to God utilizing a variety
of experiences to equip individuals for
the work He has planned for them.
From growing up in sports to her time in
college, a practicum and coaching, God
prepared Leaman to be a light for Him in
her role as the Athletic Director at Veritas
Academy.
" [Athletics have] always been part of my life
and been a great opportunity to be a good
teammate, shine for Christ and exercise, "
says Leaman. Her work now combines
the enjoyment of sports she gained while
growing up immersed in athletics with a
desire to live a life pointing to Jesus.
After attending Word of Life Bible Institute
and School of Youth Ministries, Leaman
transferred to Lancaster Bible College,
graduating with a bachelor's degree in
Bible and a minor in Youth Ministry. At LBC,
Leaman played both softball and basketball
while also completing a youth ministry
practicum at Water Street Mission's youth
center.
A year after graduation, Leaman not only
served as the LBC women's basketball
assistant coach, but she also took advantage
of the Ministry Enhancement Year program,
where she was able to focus on college
education courses, tuition free, for a year.
In 2014, Leaman joined the staff at Veritas
Academy as the girl's varsity basketball head
coach and just two years later stepped into a
role that weaved together her love of sports,
youth ministry education and coaching
experience: Athletic Director. " I'm thrilled
that I can participate in the lives of the
students primarily as their Athletic Director, "
says Leaman, who also serves as a substitute
teacher, occasional grammar school
coach and as a bus driver for field trips and
athletics. " The role utilizes my God-given
talents in administration, connecting people,
working with students and competition. It
is very satisfying to have a job that seldom
feels like a job. "
Veritas Academy, located in Lancaster, Pa., is
dedicated to providing a classical Christian
education to students in pre-K to 12th
grade. " [Veritas] has many one-of-a-kind
traditions, " Leaman says. " Learning is fun,
engaging and deep. " This unique, intentional
approach to education allows staff to build
impactful connections with the students
while encouraging students to use their
lives to positively influence others through
a relationship with Christ.
One of Leaman's missions in life is found in
the value of relationships. Her position at
Veritas Academy coupled with her role as
an instructor at a local martial arts studio
gives her ample opportunity to live out this
life calling.
" Christ's life on earth was all about
relationships, " Leaman says. " He spent
His time redefining how relationships are
affected by following Him. I want to be open
to relationships in my life, to encourage
those who are Christians, to challenge those
who aren't and to be a light wherever I go.
I want people to see Christ shining through
me. "
Leaman uses her influential role to do
just that in the lives of students, parents,
coworkers and people she may come into
contact with at sporting events. " There
are opportunities for relationships in every
practice, every contest, " she says. In fact,
Leaman keeps a folder of encouraging
feedback from coaches and officials from
other schools. These comments emphasize
the light of Jesus seen through Veritas
Academy's athletes and coaches.
Noted one athletic official: " Your coaches
and players treat officials with respect as
colleagues. Your fans are polite, spirited
and positive. You show officials unmatched
hospitality. On behalf of our official's chapter,
I want to make sure you know your efforts
are appreciated. "
Through Leaman's work with youth through
Veritas, she continues to apply aspects of
her LBC education as well as her experience
at Water Street. " The biblical nature of [LBC's]
program added to the framework of seeing
the Bible as the truth for all of life's questions,
which often come during teenage years, "
says Leaman. " And the internship at Water
Street Youth Center was a very practical way
to see athletics used for outreach.
" This past year, " she continues, " I have
been reminded several times that the
opportunities the Lord gave me as a youth
group leader and a coach are still felt. After
decades of ministry, it still blows my mind
that God shows me how a life serving Him
continues to impact others. "
ECHO 7

Echo Fall 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Echo Fall 2024

Echo Fall 2024 - 1
Echo Fall 2024 - 2
Echo Fall 2024 - 3
Echo Fall 2024 - 4
Echo Fall 2024 - 5
Echo Fall 2024 - 6
Echo Fall 2024 - 7
Echo Fall 2024 - 8
Echo Fall 2024 - 9
Echo Fall 2024 - 10
Echo Fall 2024 - 11
Echo Fall 2024 - 12
Echo Fall 2024 - 13
Echo Fall 2024 - 14
Echo Fall 2024 - 15
Echo Fall 2024 - 16
Echo Fall 2024 - 17
Echo Fall 2024 - 18
Echo Fall 2024 - 19
Echo Fall 2024 - 20
Echo Fall 2024 - 21
Echo Fall 2024 - 22
Echo Fall 2024 - 23
Echo Fall 2024 - 24
Echo Fall 2024 - 25
Echo Fall 2024 - 26
Echo Fall 2024 - 27
Echo Fall 2024 - 28
Echo Fall 2024 - 29
Echo Fall 2024 - 30
Echo Fall 2024 - 31
Echo Fall 2024 - 32
Echo Fall 2024 - 33
Echo Fall 2024 - 34
Echo Fall 2024 - 35
Echo Fall 2024 - 36
Echo Fall 2024 - 37
Echo Fall 2024 - 38
Echo Fall 2024 - 39
Echo Fall 2024 - 40
Echo Fall 2024 - 41
Echo Fall 2024 - 42
Echo Fall 2024 - 43
Echo Fall 2024 - 44
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