Carroll head coach Justin Leonard has officially been named the Texas Cross Country Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The honor follows a historic season where Leonard guided the Dragon boys to their seventh consecutive UIL 6A cross country State Championship, shattering the record for the most consecutive titles in Texas's largest classification.
Since taking the helm in 2008, Leonard has transformed Carroll into a national powerhouse, amassing 11 state cross country titles and dozens of district and regional crowns.
At the center of this historic run is a remarkable family connection. Senior Caden Leonard, Coach Leonard’s son, has authored arguably the most prolific prep distance career in Texas history. Caden capped off his senior cross country season by becoming the state's first-ever three-time individual Class 6A state champion, fueling the Dragons' team dominance.
The three-time Gatorade Texas Player of the Year has excelled far beyond the grass. On the track, Caden secured the prestigious distance "Triple Crown" and recently broke the UIL 6A state meet record in the 3,200 meters with a blistering time of 8:48.81. Recognized nationally as a Nike Elite Runner, he also earned dual First Team All-American honors after placing third at the Nike Cross Nationals.
As Caden prepares to run for the University of North Carolina this fall, the Leonard family legacy remains permanently etched into Southlake lore, keeping the Dragon tradition firmly protected.
Congrats, Coach Leonard!