Melissa Geer should take up juggling.

In a school filled with students juggling grades, sports, clubs, and other responsibilities, she just might be one of Leechburg High School's top jugglers. Softball and volleyball player, National Honor Society member, Junior Class President, Concert Band trumpeter, and Student Council member, Melissa says, "Every day is constantly busy. I couldn't stand not coming home everyday with something to do. I couldn't not be busy. That's my life."

It is a life that constantly pushes her to be better than the best, despite the full schedule. Take Leechburg's champion-caliber softball team. Geer doesn't present herself as an outstanding player, yet she is a starting right fielder on Coach Jim Oberdorf's title-winning squad for the third year in a row. A strong hitter, she batted well over a 400 average last year, besides making second-team on a local Valley all-star team. In fact, on the day this was written, Melissa just hit a home run in a makeup. Geer has played softball for the Leechburg Little League since third grade.

Volleyball is the same story. Playing for Coach Ellen Toy since seventh grade, Melissa has netted a court full of honors. She was First Team on an All-Star Volleyball squad in the Valley - the only junior to make it - and First Team on the WPIAL Section 1A team, both strong votes of confidence from volleyball experts. "I can relax when I am playing," Geer says. "It really pumps me up…[It's] a sport where I can do well and not be stressed about it."

The daughter of Robert and Cathleen Geer, Melissa is highly self-motivated. "I want to work hard for myself," she conveys. "When I get upset [after a loss] or if I feel I didn't do the best I could do and I get mad," it's her mom and dad who pick up the pieces. "My mom always tells me 'It's alright.' My dad gives me a lot of tips, like during volleyball games, [he says] 'Watch for this girl.' Dad pretty much taught me how to golf," and he also plays volleyball with her. Geer has gained from others as well, she believes. "I really like my coaches, like Mrs. Toy. She has a lot of confidence in me, builds my self-esteem. She makes me want to do good."

Maybe her coach can teach her to juggle - she'll need it. Did we mention she is also a cheerleader, a yearbook editor for next year's Student Life section, and Leechburg's mascot for next year?