Dr. Leigh Sears
Associate Professor of KinesiologyLeigh Sears started at Hope in 2000 as the head women鈥檚 soccer coach and professor of kinesiology. After completing her Ph.D. in 2007, Leigh was promoted to associate professor.
Over 22 seasons, Dr. Leigh Sears has become Hope's most successful women's soccer coach with a 260-128-37 overall record through the 2022 season. She has guided the Flying Dutch to six Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships and seven appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Areas of Expertise
Leigh鈥檚 dissertation was about body image and over-exercise in female athletes involved in team sports in the Midwest. She has also published on the body image of those involved in individual sports. Leigh鈥檚 current research interest remains body image and the female athlete, and how it affects eating as well as exercise habits.
Education
- Ph.D., exercise science, Ohio State University, 2007
- M.S., exercise science, Ithaca College, 1997
- B.A., physical education and health education K-12, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1991
Publications
- 鈥淔ive Favorite Practices of 换妻社区 Women's Soccer Coaching Staff, Transitioning from Offense to Defense,鈥&苍产蝉辫;Soccer Journal 50(7), 2005
- 鈥,鈥 2007
- 鈥淏ody Image and Behavior in NCAA Division III Female Athletes Involved in Team Sports in the Midwest,鈥&苍产蝉辫;Body Image Journal, 5 (1) 2008
- 鈥,鈥&苍产蝉辫;Athletic Training and Sports Health Care, 2012
616.395.7693
sears@hope.eduDeVos Fieldhouse 222 Fairbanks Avenue Holland, MI 49423-3624