From Missouri to the New York Times: a story of resilience, triumph and cookies
The extraordinary LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki is a true trailblazer. She had a remarkable journey as a standout athlete at St. Mary’s High School in Missouri, which propelled her to excel at K-State during the pioneering era of Title IX. Transitioning from the court to the newsroom, she forged a path in journalism, ultimately making her mark at the New York Times. She recently captivated audiences on Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge,” showcasing her resilience and wisdom. Throughout her journey, the supportive community at K-State has remained a guiding force.
Discover how a harrowing halftime plate of cookies ignited a comeback for K-State and how those lessons fueled her determination.
How did your Title IX scholarship impact your life and opportunities as a female athlete at K State in the early days of the legislation?
In high school, I didn’t think about going to college because my parents couldn’t shoulder the financial burden. My senior year, in 1976, coincided with the early implementation of Title IX. Things started changing for girls in sports. Title IX opened the door to scholarships and gave girls, and coaches like mine, a chance to change their lives.
How did your hands-on journalism experience at K-State prepare you for your career?
What I loved about K-State’s program was that it allowed you to make mistakes and learn from them as you grew. Whether you were interested in writing for the publications, the radio station or the TV station, they gave you that opportunity. That’s far more valuable than just sitting in a classroom.
My experience at K-State set me on this incredible journey. It gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive field and built what I needed for my career journey, from a small paper in Chicago to the New York Times. I’ll always be grateful for that.
How has being an athlete shaped your identity and values?
Being a K-State athlete defines a big part of who I am, though I try not to dwell on past glories. My time at K-State instilled the values of hard work, teamwork and relentless drive. These lessons extend beyond athletics to all aspects of life, including career.
Athletics nurtured confidence and belief in myself as a woman in the workplace. Being a K-State athlete ingrained in me the belief that I am deserving and capable, a mindset that remains integral to my identity and success.
What about your time on “Squid Game: The Challenge?” Did your previous athletic skills help you compete?
After watching the first episode, you might think the answer is clear: yes. But the reality was far more grueling. The first took nearly nine hours to film, even though it appears as five minutes on screen. My muscle memory with a defensive basketball stance — knees bent, balanced and ready to move worked perfectly — for the first three times. Then exhaustion set in.
I was struggling when I thought back to my junior year at K-State. We were down by 14 points at halftime against KU. Our coach, Judy Akers, walked into the locker room, pointed to a giant plate of cookies and said, “Eat the cookies. You’re going to win this game.” We were stunned!
But her confidence ignited a fire in us. We came out and battled, eventually taking the game to two overtimes, and pulling off a shocking victory. Those cookies and remembering that story during the challenge fueled my determination. “I can do this,” I thought. “I want to feel that rush of accomplishment again.”
And that’s exactly what happened. The tenacity I learned at K-State helped me survive the first challenge and rediscover a part of myself I thought was long gone. I got to show everyone, me included, that I still have that fire. My success in the challenge wasn’t just about that double overtime win or the cookies. It was about the lessons I learned: perseverance, resilience and the unwavering belief that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
And let me tell you, at 65 years old, being the oldest person left in the game? Pretty darn awesome.
Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to share about K-State?
Seeing K-State’s growth is remarkable. The new volleyball facility is a prime example, offering resources we could only dream of in my time. While it’s bittersweet for past coaches, I’m thrilled for current players.
Reflecting, choosing K-State was absolutely the right decision for me. The feeling I got when I visited campus — that welcoming atmosphere and sense of community — sealed the deal. K-State laid the groundwork for my career and personal growth. I’m grateful for the experience.
I’ll forever be a Wildcats fan!
If you’re in the Orlando area this December, don’t miss the chance to meet LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki from Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge at Over the Edge Celebrity Weekend! Starting Dec. 5-7 at Melia Orlando Celebration for an unforgettable weekend with reality TV stars, thrilling events and a chance to support amazing causes like the Women’s Sports Foundation.
