Lincoln Christian senior Alexis Leyva certainly made the most out of her first season as a Bulldog.
The point guard came right in and made her presence felt, helping lead the Bulldogs to the program's first state title in a 30-2 season.
And as she prepares for her final year at Lincoln, Leyva recently solidified her future, as the senior guard recently announced her commitment to Wichita State University.
Leyva was crucial for the Bulldogs last season, averaging 6.3 points, four rebounds and a team high five assists per game. She also averaged 1.8 steals per game and shot 42% from the field.
She had a big state tournament, helping Lincoln close out Douglass in the state finals in a 39-36 win in the 4A title game.
Leyva will look to do the same thing this winter and spring in her final season before heading off to the next level in Wichita, a place she believes is the bet fit for her.
"I chose Wichita State because of the coaching staff, resources and competitive atmosphere that surrounded the program," Leyva said. "But most of all I picked Wichita State because Coach (Terry) Nooner's number one priority is seeing his players as people and not just as a part of his job."
Leyva's relationship with Nooner was something that was key in the decision-making process, as she was used to a similar relationship with her father, Rabu, an assistant coach for Lincoln.
"Coach Nooner strives to know his players, be there for them, support them, love them and build relationship with his players," Leyva said.
"I have a really good relationship with my dad and being able to have the relationship we did as my coach was something I was looking to reflect at college," said Leyva.
Leyva leaned on her father during this process, as the former head coach at Booker T, who helped the Bulldogs to the title in his first year as an assistant alongside his daughter, allowed his daughter to work through the different emotions and come to him when she needed.
"The two main things my dad did through this process is remind me to enjoy it and giving me a space to talk through my thoughts," she said. "This process is very emotional and can be stressful, exciting, and scary all in one — but having my dad as a safe place to talk through those feelings was the biggest gift he could have given me."
Her dad was there from the beginning, and while he has seen her grow as a player since her youth, he's more proud of the leader, teammate and person she has grown into.
"She started playing basketball at the YMCA and at that time, there weren't any thoughts of being a Division-1 basketball player," he said. "It was just a kid that liked playing. As her dreams grew, I just tried to support her and encourage her dreams. She has been the one driving this journey and I'm happy I got to be a part of it."
"She has worked hard, sacrificed and stayed consistent. She has kept God first, her teammates second and herself third. I am more proud of the person she is becoming than I am her basketball abilities. I know that she is going to get the most out of her senior season and be an asset at Wichita State."
Leyva had 154 assists as a junior for Lincoln, good for 2nd in the state in assists in all classes, while also leading Class 4A and set the school record during her junior season.
She will be vital to the Bulldogs repeating in 2025-26, which is one of her goals but not the only objective in her final high school season.
"Yes of course it is a goal of mine to go back to back but another goal that i have made for myself is to build relationships with my teammates," Leyva said. "It is important to me that I'm not only enjoying basketball and the wins, but that I'm enjoying the people i share it with."
That includes improving individually, which encompasses her skill work, as well as leadership, which she exemplifies in a program led by Christ.
"I also have the goal to just get better each and everyday," she said. "I believe that if our team stewards the gifts God has given us with intentionally and care, He will take care of the rest. I'm not saying he'll guarantee we'll win but I believe His plan will come to pass."
Her head coach, Melody Stewart, has recognized this, highlighting Leyva's growth as a player, but more importantly, as a person and a leader in the Lincoln program.
"Alexis has grown tremendously, both as a player and a person," Stewart said. "She's developed her skill set year after year, but more importantly, she has grown in confidence and maturity. Early on she was learning how to find her place in leadership coming in as a junior, and now she carries herself with poise and sets the tone for those around her."
Stewart praised Leyva for the impact she had on the program last year and expects her to be even better in her senior year.
"Last season, Alexis was a steadying force for us," Stewart said. "She made big plays when we needed them, but her consistency and ability to elevate her teammates made the biggest difference. She embraced tough moments, and her presence gave our team confidence in critical games."
"In her senior year, I expect Alexis to continue being the initiator of our team. We're looking for her to lead us not only with her play but also with her voice, helping guide the younger players and setting the culture that will last after she graduates."
Leyva is blessed to be a part of the Lincoln family after winning a gold ball in her first season.
But it's about more than that, as she highlights the family aspect of the program, which is something she's incredibly thankful for.
"When i think of last season and this season to come, all I can think of is the word 'family,'" she said. "The LCS women's basketball program is family. We truly love and care for each other on and off the court. And in today's world, that is hard to come by."
"It has been a blessing from God to be able to be surrounded by the best people. It has also been amazing to come into practice and get better every day. Our team has much talent and competing against that talent everyday has truly been what has pushed me to become a better player."
Not only does her family on the court and in the locker room mean a lot to her, but her family at home is an important part of her life, as well.
Along with her father, Leyva spoke about how she wouldn't have arrived at this point without her mother, Kyna, too and the sacrifices they made throughout the years.
"Both my mom and dad have been so supportive throughout my basketball journey. My mom hardly ever missed any games and her support meant the world to me. She made every basketball tournament trip happen for me, from making sure we had the court number and game times, to booking hotels and finding the best places to stay," Leyva said.
"And my dad did every early morning workout and late night work out I can think of. He would rebound for me till his arm fell off and would wake up at 5 a.m. or stay at the gyms hours after practice — just to support me chasing my dreams of playing basketball at the next level. He coached me since I was little and taught me pretty much everything i know."
They were there to support, remind, push and guide her — allowing the senior to arrive at this moment.
"This commitment doesn't happen without both of them in my life supporting my dreams," she said. "But most of all they reminded me of my dreams and goals when it got hard. And it was hard."
"I had an injury that took me out for 10 months. I had bad games. I didn't want to wake up early for work outs, and often got frustrated with myself. But they always reminded me of who I wanted to be and without them, I would have never been able to be the player nor the person I am today."
Leyva and her team have a full season ahead of them, as they'll look to repeat as Class 4A champions.
But her head coach can easily see how her success and leadership already can transfer to college when she is finished at LCS.
"At the next level, Alexis has the tools to make an immediate impact," Stewart said. "Her basketball IQ, communication skills, and versatility will allow her to contribute in multiple ways. But more than that, I know she will bring the same leadership, humility, and work ethic that have made her so successful here."
As for Leyva, she is just grateful for the opportunity to play the game she loves and compete, as she will trade in crimson and gold for black and yellow.
"I am most excited to get to compete every single day at Wichita State," she said. "I believe that Coach Nooner is a coach that cares about us but also knows how to win. I am excited to growth both as a player and person at Wichita State."
