As the 2024 track and field season approached, Hoover High landed a professional track athlete as a new coach in Leya Buchanan.

Buchanan is a highly distinguished athlete, highlighting with her time as a Team Canada athlete.

Some of her accomplishments include placing second at 2019 Pan-Am Games in the 4×100 relay, and placing 10th at the 2022 World Championships for the 4×100 relay.

“Those are my favorite memories with track because competing alongside my teammates is so rewarding, they are amazing girls and lifelong friends,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan is originally from Mississauga, Canada with a long-term commitment to track as she started running at 11 years old.

“My mom used to run track when she was younger and encouraged me to run because she saw that I had talent,” Buchanan said. “I pursued college track because my club coach believed I would compete in the states, so he helped me get a scholarship.”

She then went on to run for the University of Oklahoma for four years and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology.

Her track career as a professional athlete continued in fall of 2018 when she came to California.

“I chose California because I was set up to train with a track coach that was out here,” Buchanan said.

She currently trains with Cedric Hill, and he was the one who referred her to the coaching position at Hoover.

“This is my first official coaching job, but I’ve been a volunteer coach, I thought I’d be a great influence for the athletes,” Buchanan said.

“My goal for the Hoover track and field program is to inspire the athletes. I want to teach them how to be the best athletes they can be, and guide them through their journey in track. I want to be a mentor and help me overcome their fears, and instill knowledge. I believe coaching is going to help me develop into a better athlete myself, and I’m honored to be chosen to help the athletes.”