On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Quakertown senior Leah Schwalm was recognized for committing to continue her softball career at Shippensburg University. (Photos provided courtesy of Jennifer Banas/QCHS)
Leah Schwalm – Shippensburg University (Softball)
Major: Biology
Reasons for choosing Shippensburg: “I loved the coach and feeling of being on campus. The way the campus is set up is exactly what I always wanted, and I love the school colors.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “Since I was in 12U, I knew I loved the game and always wanted to continue onto the next level, but I truly knew I would work hard for it going into my freshman year. I was determined to get better, and that summer, I joined a team that traveled and had high level 
coaches, so I could have the best opportunities.”
Coach Rich Scott: “Leah Schwalm is a great student athlete. She has a weighted GPA of 4.1. She’s a quiet leader, a fierce competitor and a great teammate. She’s willing to help any teammate improve their game. Her sophomore season, she was first team all-state, first team all-league as a designated player. Her junior year, she was first team all-league, first team all-state as a catcher. A coach once told Leah she would not be able to catch for him because she wasn’t big enough. Her heart, her attitude and determination were more than enough for me. Leah also was first team all-league and first team all-state catcher as a senior.
“Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter once said if you get a base hit once every three times, chances are you could be in the Hall of Fame. Leah has hit over .500 in all three seasons, which is truly amazing. I don’t know that I’ve seen a player like that before– she’s gotten a base hit at least once every two at-bats. When she’s eligible for the Pennridge-Quakertown Hall of Fame, I don’t know if Coach Fox and I will be here, but someone nominate this player please because she definitely deserves to be in there.
“Leah has always hit in the number three slot for us because I knew that with our leadoff hitters getting on base, she was going to drive in runs, and that’s key in a game – always scoring first. She led her team in RBIs each season. Last season, she led our team in home runs with four. Her junior year, the team went 23-3, the best winning record ever in Quakertown softball history. We also went to the district final for the first time in Quakertown history, and she was part of that team as well. She collected her 100th hit this season at Wissahickon, which is a great accomplishment as well.
“On the defensive side of the game, most teams simply would not steal on her, they just would not. Some of the better teams tried, and most of the time, our shortstop, Kira (Jefferson), was standing at second base with the ball in her hand, waiting for the runner to arrive. That’s how accurate her throw is, so most teams would not even try running. Even with first and third situations, we would throw down to second base because I wanted to get that out, and she had the ability to do that. And the opposing coach would be looking at the girl standing on third saying, ‘What happened?’ Leah threw you out, that’s what happened. She’s amazing with her throws, she has a great work ethic, and I know Shippensburg is getting a great student-athlete. I believe she will have an immediate impact on that softball program. Best of luck, and we will be watching.”
About Leah:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite music: Country
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