Leah Shackley
Leah Shackley
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2025 World University Games (FISU) – Rhine-Ruhr
- 5x Gold Medalist (50m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 4×100m Medley Relay, Mixed 4×100m Medley Relay)
- Silver – 100m Backstroke
- NCAA Division I (NC State University)
- ACC Freshman of the Year
- Top Freshman Scorer at NCAA Championships
- All-American & Wolffpack Elite Member
- 2023 World Junior Championships
- Gold – 50m Butterfly
- Gold – Mixed 4×100m Medley Relay
- Silver – 100m Butterfly & 4×100m Medley Relay
BIO
Leah Shackley is a rising superstar in American swimming, hailing from the small town of Bedford, Pennsylvania. A standout for the Wolfpack Elite at NC State University, Leah quickly established herself as a dominant force in the NCAA, earning the prestigious ACC Freshman of the Year title and finishing as the top freshman scorer at the NCAA Championships.
Her international career has been equally explosive. After becoming a World Junior Champion in 2023, she took the world stage by storm at the World University Games, bringing home an incredible 5 Gold Medals. Known for her versatility in both backstroke and butterfly, Leah combines elite technical skill with a refreshing perspective on balance and mental health in sports.
FROM THE CLINICIAN
Pressure is a Privilege I have learned that pressure is a privilege—remember that always. It means you are in a position to achieve something great. Instead of letting nerves take over, I use that energy to fuel my performance. When you shift your mindset, the big moments become the most fun.
More Than Just a Swimmer Always remember to have fun with the sport; it is something you do, not what defines you. I want to show the next generation that you can have balance in this sport and still succeed at the highest level. If you enjoy what you are doing, the fast times will follow.
Expanding Horizons Because of swimming, I got to go places all over the world, like traveling overseas to compete in Germany and Israel. Those trips really pushed me out of my comfort level, but they also gave me the chance to meet people who would become my best friends and build lifelong connections.
My Coaching Style I love being able to connect with who I’m teaching. My goal is to make sure every swimmer leaves with a smile and a new skill. I focus on the details, but I also emphasize the joy of being in the water.
