SIDNEY - A former Sidney High School standout track and field athlete has been named one of 14 finalists for the inaugural Jordan Larson Girl’s Athlete of the Year Award, a prestigious honor recognizing Nebraska’s top female high school athletes.

Leeling, now a freshman for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln track and field team, was the first Lady Raider ever to win Gatorade Nebraska Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year this summer. She became the first woman in Nebraska high school history to clear six feet in high jump. 

Leeling swept the long jump, triple jump and high jump at the NSAA Class B State Championships, leading the Raiders to third place as a team, last spring.

She went on to win a national title in the high jump at Nike Outdoor Nationals, clearing six feet even to earn All-American honors. At the USATF U20 Championships, she took fourth in the event. Her clearance of 6-1.50 to win the Alliance Invite in April eclipsed the previous state record by more than three inches and ranked No. 1 nationally among prep girls competitors this spring—tied for No. 19 in prep history.  

Leeling volunteered locally teaching summer youth swim lessons. She also donated her time at various youth sports camps and as part of her school’s youth mentoring program. Leeling maintained a 3.66 GPA while at Sidney.

Leeling is joined by Millard West’s Neleigh Gessert, Omaha Central’s Inia Jones, Elkhorn North’s Britt Prince, Anna Jelinek (Norris), Keri Leimbach (Lincoln Lutheran), Reagan Meyers (Superior) and Charlee Solomon (Papillion South). Gretna’s Alexis Jensen Carlie Muhlbach, Sonora DeFini (Gretna East) and Charley Kort (Lincoln Southwest), Eden Larson of Lincoln Southwest and Omaha Westside’s Regan Rosseter are also finalists.

The Jordan Larson Girl’s Athlete of the Year Award is named after Nebraska Hall of Famer and four-time Olympic volleyball medalist Jordan Larson. The honor celebrates athletes who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the 2024 calendar year. 

The award will be presented during the 14th annual Jet Award Gala on April 10, 2025, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.