Leah Gneco

Position:
UB, BB
Height:
5-5
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Upper Saddle River, NJ
High School:
Northern Highlands Regional

2019-20 (Sophomore): Made two appearances during the regular season, competing on beam in the season opener versus William & Mary and on bars in the home meet against Pittsburgh • Remainder of the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic • ACC Academic Honor Roll • Named to the EAGL All-Academic team • Named a Tar Heel Scholar-Athlete for the 2019 spring and fall semesters.

2018-19 (Freshman): Named a WCGA Scholastic All-American • Named EAGL Scholar Athlete • Did not compete in a meet during the 2019 season.

Prep: Trained at Galaxy Gymnastics in Orangeburg, NY under the tutelage of Jamie Winkler • Two-time JO National Qualifier • First-team All-State for High School Gymnastics • Athlete of the Week fro the Starledger • Attended Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ • Personal Bests: 9.400 on vault, 9.300 on bars, 9.475 on beam and 9.475 on floor

Personal: Born Leah Jilma Gneco in San Jose Calif. on July 24, 2000 • Daughter of Paul and Gina Gneco • Homeschooled until she was in high school • Member of National Honors Society • Student Ambassador at Northern Highlands Regional High School • AP Scholar • Acted in an off-Broadway play • Has a dog named Fluffy

Getting to Know Leah:

Major: Math and Neuroscience

Nickname: Leech or Lee

Career Plans: Anesthesiologist

What is the best thing about being at UNC? The people!

Away from gymnastics and my academic pursuits, I like to spend time… baking

My greatest strength as a gymnast is… risk taking

Biggest sports thrill and why? Competing in front of big crowds; it gives me an adrenaline rush

Person who had the greatest influence on your career and why: My coach Jamie Winkler

Favorite Book: Handmaid’s Tale

Favorite Food: French Toast

Funny or interesting fact about yourself: I don’t know how to whistle

Favorite class at UNC and why: ANTH 147 - Comparative Healing Methods. It is an interesting class about the beliefs in different cultures.

At what age did you first start participating in gymnastics and what is your earliest memory of gymnastics? Age 3 – I remember slipping down the rope and cutting/burning my wrist when I was about 4.

The funniest nickname on the team belongs to: Toastie (Sophie)

What song would you sing if you were on The Voice? If I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

What reality show would you most like to be on? Are You the One?

My favorite guilty pleasure is: Watching MTV shows and online shopping

If I could go to dinner with one famous person it would be: Chance the Rapper

The most interesting person I’ve met at UNC is: Drew

People say I look like… my little sister, Hannah

Favorite place to visit: San Francisco, California