The Leos, Lifelong Teammates

By Chris Glennon

Following in an older sibling's footsteps can be a daunting task, one that some might avoid at all costs. But for Vanessa Leo, a redshirt freshman for Santa Clara's women's basketball team, the opportunity to do just that was something she embraced. Her older sister, Lindsay, is a senior and one of the best players on the team. 

Vanessa, four years younger, has always followed in Lindsay's path. "It helped a lot to be able to see what she went through," Vanessa said. "The coaches, players, the school were all very important, but having Lindsay here was also huge."

They described their family as a basketball family. Their father, Guy Leo, played college basketball at the University of California, Santa Barbara. 

"My dad has always played basketball," said Lindsay. "He was the one to put the ball in our hands. He knows the game so well and has a great passion for it. Our mom also enjoys the game."

Lindsay said her first memory of basketball was in about second grade, playing basketball out on the blacktop with her dad. For Vanessa, her first memory was playing at the YMCA Club on 8-foot hoops. "They had a six-point limit per player so I always got taken out early," Vanessa said. "I could almost dunk on those things."

Both sisters said that they have always been taller than most, and that it was clear basketball was going to be their sport. Height runs in the family. Guy is 6 feet 8 inches, and their mom, Barbara Leo, is 5 feet 11 inches. 

"Our mom made us dance to get a little balance in our life," Lindsay said. "That might be why we have some coordination."

Both played volleyball growing up, but when they got to high school, it was time to dedicate themselves to hoops.

"When we got to (Archbishop Mitty High School) we kind of had to pick one sport," Vanessa said. "They have a great basketball program."

That tradition of Mitty's program was something both Lindsay and Vanessa helped continue. Lindsay played in three state championship games, winning two of them. Vanessa, who was a freshman during Lindsay's senior year, was called up from the junior varsity team for the playoff and eventual state championship run that Lindsay helped lead. 

When they weren't playing for Mitty, the Amateur Athletic Union circuit was where the sisters refined their games. "I just remember the AAU days," Lindsay said. "We put in so much time there. The goal was always to get a college scholarship."

Lindsay did get a scholarship right out of high school, but it was with San Diego State University, not Santa Clara.

"It just didn't work out," Lindsay said. "The atmosphere wasn't right for me." 

That experience was something Lindsay said she tried to pass on to Vanessa when she was making her college decision.

"I was always like the guinea pig," Lindsay said with a chuckle. "I've been where she's been so my experience can really help. I definitely want to be a good role model."

Now with the two playing side by side, Vanessa said she has picked up a lot from Lindsay.

"This is my first full year practicing every day," Vanessa said. "Sometimes I can get a little amped up, but Lindsay is there to help me out when that happens."

Lindsay seemed to agree. "We know each other so well, we don't even have to be talking to each other to tell if something is a little off," she said. "If she is too excited, I let her know she is giving good effort, but controlling that energy is important too. I try to stay positive."

Even though Lindsay's playing days are winding down, if the past is any indication, Vanessa should be ready and prepared to once again fill her older sister's shoes.

Contact Chris Glennon at cglennon@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.