Daniel de Leon ’18 was an avid athlete at Rye Country Day School, competing on the Varsity Soccer, Varsity Fencing, Indoor Varsity Track, and Outdoor Varsity Track & Field teams. During his senior year, he served as co-captain of the Varsity Outdoor Track & Field team and played a key role in leading the program to its first NYSAIS Championship in 2018.

Specializing in sprint events, Daniel consistently contributed valuable points at meets throughout his track and field career at RCDS. His leadership, dedication, and strong work ethic earned him the Coaches Award during his senior year, while highlighting his impact on the team’s historic championship season.

Daniel went on to compete in track and field at Occidental College, where he was a sprinter for all four years. Beyond athletics, he was actively engaged on campus as secretary of the PUSO E-Board (Pilipino Unified Support Organization), a member of the Scientific Scholars Achievement Program, and a participant in the Community Health & Fitness Research Program.

After graduating from Occidental College in 2022, Daniel pursued a career in fitness as a personal trainer and fitness coach based in Manhattan. He has also continued his education, studying graduate-level studies in Biostatistics at the New York University School of Global Public Health.

How has your Wildcat experience as a student-athlete been influential throughout your life and contributed to your professional/personal success?

I had never seriously participated in sports before my time at Rye Country Day. Today, I work as a fitness professional and conduct academic research in physical activity epidemiology. Being a Wildcat introduced me to this world and showed me how powerful and life-changing exercise can be.

Did an RCDS coach inspire you? How so?

Coaches O, Anderson, and Felice formed the perfect coaching crew. Everyone on the team valued their input and genuinely wanted to make them proud. Their influence shaped my own approach as a personal trainer, which is largely modeled after the impact my track coaches at RCDS had on me.
 

What advice would you give to current students at RCDS looking to continue their career as a student-athlete?

If you plan to continue competing as a college athlete, it’s important to listen closely to your coaches and stay on top of your time management. The time and energy required for college athletics is comparable to taking on two or three additional classes, so prioritizing a sustainable balance among your responsibilities is essential. You’re part of a very small group of people who still have the opportunity to compete in organized sports, so cherish every moment. Most importantly, have fun and fall in love with the process.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time as a student-athlete at RCDS?

Discipline and teamwork are essential. Self-motivation can only take you so far. Learning to consistently show up, work diligently, and rely on teammates for support when needed is a life lesson many people don’t learn until well after high school.

Once A Wildcat, Always A Wildcat!