Episode 172 - From Pool to Classroom: Still Making Waves at 21 with McKella Leeper

#172 - Ever wonder what it's like to break a school record in your final race? Or how someone finds their calling at just 21 years old? Meet McKella Leeper, whose enthusiasm for life bubbles up like the wake behind a powerful swimmer.McKella's journey began when her family moved closer to her father's workplace, with the promise that he would coach his daughters in swimming. This decision transformed not just her athletic path but her relationship with her father. "Swimming is the one thing that me and my dad can just go on for hours about," she shares, revealing how their coaching partnership bridged communication gaps and created a unique father-daughter bond.Her competitive swimming career culminated in an unforgettable moment – breaking her school's 100m breaststroke record by over a second in her final high school race. After narrowly missing finals qualification and "crying in the back of the bus," McKella returned the next day with renewed determination. "I hit the wall and listened... I can hear my mom and all of the parents... I can hear my teammates behind me... and I turned around and looked at the time and saw how big of a drop it was," she recounts, her excitement still palpable years later.Beyond the pool, McKella created an "ABC Adventure Challenge" during her boyfriend's mission, committing to weekly adventures organized alphabetically. This practice taught her a profound lesson about personal agency: "I realized how much control I had over my situation versus my situation had on me." From ice baths to mountain views with her mom, these adventures became anchors of joy and self-discovery.Now a newlywed and recent college graduate, McKella is embarking on her career as a high school language arts teacher while continuing to coach swimming. Her approach to coaching mirrors her life philosophy – focusing on technique and fostering love for the sport rather than just results. "I coach to see everyone improve and grow," she explains, embodying the same supportive approach her father modeled.What makes McKella's story so compelling is how she weaves together swimming, faith, teaching, and relationships into a purposeful life at such a young age. As she says, "You can learn something from anybody" – a reminder that wisdom isn't always tied to years but to openness and experience.Join us for this refreshing conversation about passion, purpose, and navigating life's currents. Have you found your personal adventure challenge yet?To see what McKella is up to be sure and follow her on Instagram @mck_swims.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.