Mark Leoni has taught math since 2001 and has coached both basketball and soccer since then. In 1995, he was the starting shortstop for the St. Norbert’s baseball team as a freshman.

Leoni started playing baseball and soccer at the age of eight. Leoni attended Wauwatosa West High School. Throughout high school, he was a four sport athlete playing soccer, baseball, golf and basketball. He considered golf to be his relaxing sport while baseball was his passion. In high school, he was named All-State in baseball and was also a captain as he also was for the soccer team.

“Sports in high school taught me discipline,” says Leoni. “It’s tough to balance school and sports as a high school student, and college is even harder.”

“You have to balance school, sports, and a larger social life. Your parents aren’t there to help you either; you have to make decisions that will lead to you being successful and playing in a sport like baseball your individual success often led to success for the team.”

Leoni was very successful in his college career. His team won conference twice and made the Division 3 Tournament one season. His individual accomplishments include being and athletic and academic all conference. He got the opportunity to try out for a few professional baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics.

“I’m very competitive,” says Leoni. “My competitiveness is a tough void to fill now that I’m not competing anymore and that’s why I coach.” “I try to use that competitive fire in the classroom and while I coach.”