The best female discus and shot put thrower in state history, Garcelyn Leiseth of Hamlin, finished her high school career over the weekend at the state track and field meet in Sioux Falls.
Fittingly, Leiseth won state championships in both events.
“I wanted to get a (personal record), that’s always a goal, but also a goal was consistency, and I definitely, in discus, I got the goal of being consistent,” Leiseth stated.
With a throw of 169-11, Gracelyn Leiseth of Hamlin wins the 'A' girls state title in Discus.
— SDPB Sports (@SDPBSports) May 26, 2023
She's the all-time state record holder in the event, from a mark she set during the season, and she's one of the top discus throwers in the nation. #SDTrack23 #SDPreps pic.twitter.com/s1AbbYwteS
Leiseth broke the all-time state record in discus in late April during the Menno Relays with a throw of 171-8. This topped the previous record set by Custer’s Kellyn Kortemeyer of 165-11. At the 2023 state meet, she won the title with a distance of 169-11, which was a record at the state event.
In the girls shot put, Leiseth also holds the state record with 52-6.75. During the 2023 state meet, she hit 50-08. While short of her total from 2022, it’s still an impressive mark.
Gracelyn Leiseth of Hamlin ends her memorable high school career with a state title and gold medal in Shot Put with a distance of 50-08. #SDTrack23 #SDPreps pic.twitter.com/rhBCSo44wA
— SDPB Sports (@SDPBSports) May 27, 2023
“It’s been amazing. You learn so many things from so many people in high school. From teammates, classmates, coaches, parents, and your community just supports you, honestly, and it’s amazing to see that,” Leiseth explained. “I’m always going to cherish those memories I made in high school for sure. It’s a bittersweet moment, leaving high school and going to college, but it’s got to happen sometime. But continuing to remember the memories and hold those in your heart.”
Leiseth will continue her career in shot put and discus next year at the University of Florida.
“Last summer I was being recruited by quite a few schools. I had it narrowed down to a few schools, and then I did some visits. I visited [Florida] this fall during volleyball season. I was trying to cram in a bunch of visits, which was good,” she joked. “And then when I went [to Florida], I loved the feel of the community in that town. And it's nice weather, so I’ll be able to throw all year round.”
Despite moving to Gator Country, Leiseth said it was the community feel in Gainesville that sold her. She said community feel was a key part of her love for Hamlin, and she’s excited for her next opportunity at the college level.
