When Genesis Leggett came to Berry as a freshman, she was dazzled by the rich green fields (which recalled her hometown of Live Oak, Fla.) and deeply committed to the robust track & field program. Throughout her college career, she excelled at shotput, hammer and discus events, bringing home four Southern Athletic Association championship titles. Genesis also built professional experience in communication through Berry-related opportunities. Having completed a double major in communication and sports administration, she plans to tackle a master’s degree before landing a job working in professional or collegiate sports.
Applying discipline and determination in every facet of her life at Berry, Genesis — a Gate of Opportunity scholar — gained experience as a marketing specialist for student diversity initiatives and as the student director of the sports information department. A production assistant for the Rome Braves, she operated multiple cameras for online live stream footage and archival purposes. Known for her outgoing personality, Genesis was an active member of the Student Life Council and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She served as the president of the Black Student Association for two years, taking it from a small organization to a thriving, front-and-center body of students on campus.
As a junior, Genesis received an invitation to participate in the NCAA’s Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Student Program. “At the CoSIDA convention, I was able to experience Division III specific programming and explore potential careers in sports information and athletic communication,” she says. “Having the opportunity to network and learn from current athletics communication professionals made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be.”
Director of Athletics Angel Mason mentored Genesis during her junior and senior years. “Angel has been someone that I have looked up to since she began working at Berry,” Genesis says. “She introduced me to so many inspiring women, all of whom had nothing but empowering words and advice for me.”
Mason says Genesis is the definition of a class act: “Her contributions to our athletic department and college as a student leader, top athlete and Berry Viking fan make us all love being in her presence. Her spirit will continue to blaze a bright future for her.”
In mid-March, Genesis missed out on her final chance to compete for a national championship medal when the NCAA canceled sports for the remainder of the season. Although disappointed, she is ready for the future. “I have always believed that challenges are placed in our way for a reason,” she says. “I may not know what the reason is at the time, but I do know that if I give whatever it is my best shot, that I will come out on the other end stronger and wiser.”
Genesis Leggett completed a Master of Science in sport management at Florida State University. She is the sport marketing coordinator for the Savannah Sports Council.
