Sacred Heart Senior Excels as Multisport Standout

Leah Varisco balances basketball, soccer, cross country, and track while leading her family members on the field

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:05pm

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Sacred Heart senior Leah Varisco is a standout multisport athlete, competing in basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field. She is the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball and has played varsity in all four sports since middle school. Varisco is part of a family legacy at Sacred Heart, with her younger sister, two cousins, and aunt and uncle all involved with the school's athletics programs.

Why it matters

Varisco's ability to excel in multiple sports while maintaining strong academic performance sets an inspiring example for other student-athletes. Her family's deep involvement with Sacred Heart athletics also highlights the close-knit community at the school and the support system that can help young athletes thrive.

The details

Varisco plays both basketball and soccer during the winter season, in addition to cross country in the fall and outdoor track and field in the spring. She is a key contributor in all four sports and has been a varsity athlete since middle school. In basketball, she is Sacred Heart's all-time leading scorer, becoming the school's first player to reach 1,000 points. Varisco also accounts for 45% of Sacred Heart soccer's points through goals and assists.

  • Varisco has competed at the varsity level since middle school.
  • She is Sacred Heart's all-time leading scorer in basketball, becoming the school's first player to reach 1,000 points.
  • Varisco's Sacred Heart basketball team reached the state championship game last year and is the No. 3 seed in the Division III select playoffs this year.

The players

Leah Varisco

A senior at Sacred Heart who excels in multiple sports, including basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field.

Rosie Varisco

Leah's younger sister, a sophomore at Sacred Heart who also plays basketball and soccer.

Lily Varisco

Leah's cousin, a junior at Sacred Heart who plays basketball.

Coco Varisco

Leah's cousin, a freshman at Sacred Heart who starts on the soccer team.

Michel Varisco Gleason

Leah's aunt, who is married to New Orleans Saints legend Steve Gleason and regularly attends Sacred Heart games.

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What they’re saying

“(Varisco) has had a really good impact. Being able to balance the multiple sports, she's the definition of what Sacred Heart is. Being able to give girls the opportunity to do multiple things, balance it and excel academically. She encompasses all of those things.”

— Courtney Ward, Sacred Heart basketball coach (nola.com)

“It's really special (to play alongside family members). It's something that I know a lot of people can't experience, so it's a great opportunity. Being able to play with them is so fun.”

— Leah Varisco (nola.com)

“(Leah Varisco) is a significant factor in our success. She sets a great example for us as a multisport athlete and sets the mold for the extremely hard work that goes into it. She's a joy to coach and is always focused on the game.”

— Michael Plaisance, Sacred Heart soccer coach (nola.com)

What’s next

Sacred Heart basketball is the No. 3 seed in the Division III select playoffs and is scheduled to host No. 11-seeded D'Arbonne Woods in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The takeaway

Leah Varisco's ability to excel in multiple sports while maintaining strong academic performance sets an inspiring example for student-athletes. Her family's deep involvement with Sacred Heart athletics also highlights the close-knit community at the school and the support system that can help young athletes thrive.