The L.A. Standard
Leanne “L.A.” Matthews
I thrive on challenges and love crafting connections that matter. Whether I’m leading on the softball field, designing diversity-driven campaigns, or mentoring future athletes, my work is grounded in purpose and passion.
As an Academic All-American, I’ve come to value resilience, teamwork, and authenticity as the core of success. Off the field, I channel my expertise in digital media to tell bold stories and make meaningful impact.
l.a.matthewsconnect@gmail.com
Athlete. Creator. Leader.
My journey is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. Raised in a family of MLB scouts, I grew up immersed in the game and learned early that softball is more than a sport. It is a way to build discipline, strategy, and joy that shapes every part of life.
I began my collegiate career at Penn State, but when COVID-19 abruptly ended my freshman season and a broken leg forced me into months of recovery, I discovered a deeper drive to keep playing. I rebuilt and transferred to the University of Houston, where I earned Academic All American honors and led the team with a .302 batting average. I later joined Rutgers University, where I was named a Big Ten Player to Watch, led the program in power numbers in 2025, and became 11th all-time in single-season RBIs.
Out of high school, I was ranked 59th among the nation’s top players, and my experiences across multiple Division I programs gave me a well-rounded, all-encompassing perspective on the game. I have trained with the best of the best since the age of 13, including All-American Kelsey Bruder and elite college coaches at both Houston and Rutgers.
Today, I am training to compete as a professional softball player while building a business that empowers the next generation. I am the founder of The L.A. Standard, a growing brand that combines softball instruction, digital resources, and confidence coaching. I am also the co-owner of Grind & Glow Elite Training by Matthews and Smith, a small-group training company bringing professional-level instruction to athletes across New Jersey.
With a Master’s in Communication and Media with a focus on diversity in sports and undergraduate studies in sociology, nutrition, and media production, I merge storytelling with sport to inspire and teach. My coaching style blends the knowledge gained from diverse collegiate experiences with a commitment to meeting players where they are, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game.
Whether I am training on the field, mentoring young athletes, or creating digital content, my purpose is the same: to elevate softball, empower athletes, and show them how to grind for the rep and glow in the game.
Services
-
Softball
I provide personalized softball coaching focused on skill development, team strategy, and building confidence to help athletes unlock their full potential both on and off the field.
-
Media
I offer strategic media services, including content creation, campaign development, and storytelling, designed to amplify brands, drive engagement, and create meaningful impact.