Mark Leoni has taught math at Arrowhead since 2001 and has coached both basketball and soccer since then.  In 1995, he was the starting shortstop for the St. Norbert’s baseball team as a freshman.

Leoni started playing baseball and soccer at the age of eight.  Leoni attended Wauwatosa West High School. Throughout high school, he was a four sport athlete playing soccer, baseball, golf and basketball.  He considered golf to be his relaxing sport while baseball was his passion.  In high school, he was named All-State in baseball and was also a captain as he also was for the soccer team.

“Sports in high school taught me discipline,” says Leoni.  “It’s tough to balance school and sports as a high school student, and college is even harder.”

“You have to balance school, sports, and a larger social life.  Your parents aren’t there to help you either; you have to make decisions that will lead to you being successful and playing in a sport like baseball your individual success often led to success for the team.”

Leoni was very successful in his college career.  His team won conference twice and made the Division 3 Tournament one season.  His individual accomplishments include being and athletic and academic all conference. He got the opportunity to try out for a few professional baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics.

“I’m very competitive,” says Leoni.  “My competitiveness is a tough void to fill now that I’m not competing anymore and that’s why I coach.”  “I try to use that competitive fire in the classroom and while I coach.”