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Student-Athlete Alumni Spotlight -- Margaret and Kyle Leeper

Student-Athlete Alumni Spotlight -- Margaret and Kyle Leeper
Feb 14, 2016

Continuing our ongoing Valentine’s Day edition of Student-Athlete Alumni Spotlight, BelmontBruins.com checks in with Margaret and Kyle Leeper.

Margaret Elliott Leeper was a member of the women’s cross country/track team from 2000-2004.  She was a two-time All-Conference performer and helped the Bruins win four straight Atlantic Sun Conference Championships.  Kyle Leeper was a member of the men’s tennis team from 1996-2000 and helped the program transition from NAIA to the Division I level.   He was also member of the first men's tennis team to post a winning record in the Division I era.

 
 

Why did you choose Belmont?

Margaret: Belmont was a small school that offered Division I running and a great art department.  The awesome team recruit visit sure helped too!

 

Kyle: It just felt right on my visit and it ended up being a great fit for me personally, I love Nashville.

 
 

What is your fondest athletic memory at Belmont?

Margaret: Team long runs on Saturday mornings!

 

Kyle: There are several fond memories...but I will go with the team bus trips and travel experiences.

 
 

 

Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Belmont?

Margaret: My teammates were my biggest supporters and cheerleaders in college and they continue to be some of my biggest supporters and encouragers today.

 

Kyle: My fellow student-athletes, several people in a very similar spot in life, learning and growing while being guided by solid leaders/examples. 

 
 

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Belmont?

Margaret: Be on time and when one door closed look for a bigger door.

 

Kyle: Good people are drawn to great places and each other.  It is our job to engage those that God puts in our life.

 
 

What advice would you give to current members of the tennis team?

Margaret: Invest in your teammates, they will be your lifelong friends.

 

Kyle: Focus on enjoying the opportunities and relationships that are around you.  A big part of being content/happy/successful is FOCUS.

 
 

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Margaret: Cannot say enough about the entire art department! They all played a pivotal role in my artistic path while at Belmont and after.  Many remain mentors and friends today.

 

Kyle: John Gonas – His energy and sincere interest for not only Belmont but each and every individual he comes in contact which is contagious. 

 
 
 
Where do you live now?

Margaret and Kyle:  We split time between the 12th South Neighborhood in Nashville and Naples, Florida. 
 
 

 

What is your occupation?

Margaret: I am a self-employed artist and mother.  Sometimes creating original works of art on canvas and other times cleaning up artistic masterpieces created with finger foods.

 

Kyle: I am a yacht broker (self-employed) with Nashville Yacht. (think real estate agent for boats). I help families carve out a space from their busy lives/schedules to relax and connect on the water.

 
 

Tell us about your family.

Margaret and Kyle: Kyle and I love to travel.  We welcomed our first child, Hattie Jane, in September of 2014.  While we cannot say that our life has changed completely, we can say that with all certainty we are learning every day and love this little girl immensely. 

 

We are also proud to share that our oldest nephew will be on campus this fall!

 

Tell us how you met your spouse at Belmont.
 
Margaret and Kyle: We met at the wedding of fellow BU athlete, Keely Weaver Corlew. 
 
 

 

What dating advice would you give to Belmont student-athletes?

Margaret: Take your date out to eat sushi and you are guaranteed a second date!

 

Kyle: I will leave this one to the experts!