University of North Georgia Athletics

Kara Winkler Leonard had the distinction of being the first North Georgia softball player inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame as she played both softball and women’s basketball for North Georgia. Leonard was a three-time All-GACC First Team selection from 1998-2000, as well as a three-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region member during that span. She was also a two-time NAIA All-Region honoree (1999-2000) and was twice named an NAIA and NFCA Academic All-American (1999-2000). In 2000, Leonard helped lead her team to the program’s first-ever conference title and was named the GACC Player of the Year, as well as the NAIA Region 13 Player of the Year for her role in securing that title. A two-time Most Valuable Player for North Georgia, she was the team’s captain in 1999 and 2000. Leonard won five letters between softball and basketball and was named the GACC Female All-Sport Athlete of the Year in 2000. Her career runs scored (206), stolen bases (48) and doubles (44), marks are still among the best in program history.