Northampton head girls' basketball coach Jeff Jacksits has a litany of stories about Leandra Sterner, arguably one of the most determined and gritty players.

In one instance, Jacksits recalled how Sterner played an intense playoff game against Bethlehem Catholic, and he later amazed how she was active and intense in a basketball workout. It was one in several cases where Sterner again proved to be a leader on and off the court.

"That doesn't surprise me," responded Jacksits about the award. "Her (Sterner) work ethic is outstanding. But that is one story that I will never forget about her. (Sterner) is just none-stop in everything she does. She has a motor that doesn't stop.

"She is also very supportive of her teammates."

Sterner, a junior last year, has competed in basketball, soccer and softball at Northampton and has proved to be an integral part of each program. Her contributions this season to all the programs helped her earn the Northampton Press Female Athlete of the Year award.

Having a soft-spoken and deflective manner in regard to personal accolades and her overall approach to life, Sterner took the announcement in stride.

"I feel happy when I hear about something like this," she said. "For me, it proves that all of the effort and hard work that I try to put into every sport paid off. It is really about all of the teams and my teammates.

"I try to do my part to make everything work and be successful."

Sterner admitted that she leans toward basketball as her primary sport. She was instrumental this past winter in leading her team into districts after a slow start. Basketball has been part of her life basically right after birth.

"I re-member starting to play the game when I was in pre-school," recalled Sterner. "I was about four. But I knew it was a good fit for me. I really enjoyed playing when I was little. It was just a matter of trying to get better and learn more about the basics of the games.

"I soon started playing soccer and softball. I have always been very competitive and always try to do whatever it takes to win and help everyone around me. Through the years, I have really enjoyed going out there and playing sports."

Sterner gained more insight into the game from her father Dwayne, who played baseball and wrestled at Northampton. He and his wife, Barbara, also have daughters Lauren, who graduated and played basketball and soccer at NHS, and Morgan, who is in fifth grade.

"My family has always been very supportive of all of my efforts," Sterner said. "My dad had always been there for me, and he has always been positive and picked me up when I have been down. He really had helped me develop in sports and in my life."

It didn't take Jacksits and the rest of the athletic department long to discover Sterner's aptitude to be a friend and a teammate, and to realize she knew the game well.

"She always does whatever she can to help her teammates and everyone around her," stated Jacksits. "When she first came into the program, she was ready to go. In whatever she does, (Sterner) always give 100 percent."

Jacksits also noted that Sterner has always had a good sense of humor.

"I can truly say that have never seen her in a bad mood," he said. "I know the other coaches would agree with me. She is always playing jokes on the player and the coaches. She loves to have fun and is a big prankster.

"She brings a refreshing approach to the program and the school."

"I like to have fun with my teammates," added Sterner. "Sports are fun and so is life. We're a close team and we all rely on each other. We have been friends and know each other. The coaches have always been very supportive and they have created a great environment for us.

"Coach Jacksits and my other coaches all have been big influences for me."

Knowing that her senior year is on the horizon, Sterner is anxious to begin a new school year. She has already set her sights on pursuing a career as a physical therapist and also hopes to possibly play basketball in college.

Sterner should have too much trouble turning the next corner as a number of Division III and III schools have expressed interest in her. She has a few colleges in mind and soon should make her final choice.

"I know she is being recruited by a number of Division II and III schools," added Jacksits. "There are a number of Division II schools knocking at her door especially after this year. She can play at either level.

"She may have some trouble playing at Division one because of her height (Sterner is 5-7). But I have seen enough Division II and III basketball and she can play there."

Sterner has also enjoyed playing soccer and softball, two sports she has described as "fun." She also was involved in a SADD program as well as a leadership program at the high school. When she isn't playing sports, Sterner likes hanging out her friends and her family.

Still, it is all about competing for Sterner.

"I just like to go out there and compete," said Sterner. "When I am, I always try to win. Sports have always been a big part of my life and I want them to continue in the future. I'm looking forward to having a good and fun year ahead for me."

Fortunately for Sterner, most of the coaches and players feel the same way.