EPISODE 3: Balancing Basketball and Giving Back: Anthony Leal’s Journey
In this episode, Anthony Leal, a student-athlete at Indiana University, discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing his academic pursuits as a master’s student with his commitments to the basketball team.
He shares insights into his daily routine, which includes early morning workouts, classes, and team meetings, and how he incorporates his passion for golf as a competitive outlet. Anthony speaks about his decision to return for a fifth year, motivated by both unfinished business on the court and the pursuit of his master’s degree.
He reflects on his role as a leader, both on and off the court, guiding new teammates through the culture of Bloomington and sharing his impactful gesture of using his NIL earnings to pay off his sister’s student loans. The conversation touches on the evolving opportunities for student-athletes through NIL, emphasizing the importance of using these opportunities for positive change.
Anthony discusses the cultural shift within the team towards selflessness and the importance of inspiring a ‘culture of yes’ through Project 44 and other initiatives. He hopes his actions and values inspire others, highlighting the broader impact beyond basketball statistics.
