Laura Leonard is a project manager, stylist, and philanthropist who is married to former NBA player and current radio analyst Eric Montross. She is also a proud mother of two children, Andrew and Sarah. In this article, we will explore more about her life, career, and family.
Early Life, Birthday, and Education
Laura Leonard was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina. As of 2023 her age might be between 50-52 years. She is a native of Southern heritage and has a charming Southern accent. She grew up in a sports-loving family, as her father taught her the ins and outs of various games. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated in 1993 with a degree in journalism.
Laura Leonard Wiki/Bio
| Name | Laura Leonard Montross |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Lexington, North Carolina, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm |
| Weight | 55 kg or 121 lbs |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Hair color | Blonde |
| Skin color | Fair |
| Body measurements | 34-25-35 in or 86-64-89 cm |
| Shoe size | 7 (US) or 4.5 (UK) or 37.5 (EU) |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Profession | Project manager and stylist at The Curated Table |
| Spouse | Eric Montross |
| Children | Andrew Montross and Sarah Montross |
| Philanthropy | Co-founder of Raise a Racquet, board member of UNC Children’s Hospital and Be Loud! Sophie, founding co-chair of Arts in Action |
| Hobbies | Reading, traveling, cooking, entertaining, driving NASCAR |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Eric_Montross Homepage- Newsunzip |
Background
While at UNC, aura Leonard met Eric Montross, who was a star basketball player for the Tar Heels. They fell in love and got married on August 27, 1994, in Tyro, a town west of Lexington. The same year, Eric was drafted as the ninth overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft.
She supported Eric throughout his professional basketball career, which spanned 10 seasons and six teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and New Jersey Nets. She and Eric moved frequently due to Eric’s job, but Laura saw each relocation as an opportunity to explore new cities and make new friends.
Career and Philanthropy
Laura Leonard has over 25 years of experience in event planning, organizing, and styling. She has assisted in hosting weekend-long events for hundreds of people and small, intimate gatherings. She is currently a project manager and stylist at The Curated Table, a company that provides customized table settings and decor for various occasions. She is also a co-founder of Raise a Racquet, an annual tennis fundraiser for UNC Children’s Hospital, held at The FARM (UNC Faculty-Staff Recreation Association).
She and Eric are also the founders of the Eric Montross Father’s Day Basketball Camp, which has raised millions of dollars for UNC Children’s Hospital since 1994. The camp is a four-day event that allows fathers and their children to play basketball with Eric and other former Tar Heels. The camp also features guest speakers, auctions, and raffles. The proceeds from the camp go to support the pediatric hematology-oncology program at UNC Children’s Hospital, which provides care and treatment for children with cancer and blood disorders.
Laura is also a founding co-chair of the Arts in Action program at Frank Porter Graham Elementary, a public school in Chapel Hill. The program aims to enrich the student’s education and creativity through exposure to various forms of art, such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The program also invites local artists to perform and teach at the school. Laura is also a member of the Board of Visitors for UNC Children’s Hospital and the Board of Directors for Be Loud! Sophie, a foundation that supports adolescent and young adult cancer patients and their families.
Leonard is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing tennis, golf, and skiing. She is also an avid reader and loves to travel. She has a passion for cooking and entertaining and often hosts dinner parties for her friends and family. She is also a fan of NASCAR and fulfilled a dream by driving a NASCAR at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2003.
Remembering Eric Montross: Laura Leonard Pays Tribute to Her Husband and Former NBA Player
Eric Montross, who won a national championship with the University of North Carolina in 1993 and played eight seasons in the NBA, passed away on Sunday at his home in Chapel Hill. He was 52 years old.
Montross was diagnosed with cancer in March this year, which forced him to step away from his role as a radio analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network. His family announced his death through UNC on Monday morning.
“Eric was an amazing man who touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and passion for basketball,” his family said in a statement. “He fought bravely until the end and never gave up hope. We are grateful for the love and support we have received from our Tar Heel family and beyond. We ask for privacy as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
Montross was a star center for the Tar Heels from 1990 to 1994, playing under legendary coach Dean Smith. He helped UNC win its fourth national title in 1993, scoring 16 points in the final against Michigan. He was a two-time consensus second-team All-American, a first-team All-ACC selection, and a first-team Academic All-American. He also represented the United States at the 1991 Pan American Games, winning a bronze medal.
Montross is survived by his wife, Laura Leonard, and their two children, Andrew and Sarah. Andrew is a sophomore at UNC and a member of the men’s basketball team, while Sarah is a senior at East Chapel Hill High School and a tennis standout.
Montross’ death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the basketball community and beyond. UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who was Montross’ teammate for two seasons, said he was heartbroken by the news.
UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said Montross was a beloved member of the Carolina family and a shining example of excellence and service.
How They Met and Got Married?
Laura Leonard was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina. She grew up in a sports-loving family, as her father taught her the ins and outs of various games. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated in 1993 with a degree in journalism. She was also a fan of the Tar Heels basketball team, which was coached by the legendary Dean Smith.
Eric Montross was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a basketball prodigy, who led his high school team to two state championships and was named Mr. Basketball of Indiana in 1990. He also attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played as a center for the Tar Heels from 1990 to 1994. He was a star player, who helped UNC win its fourth national title in 1993, scoring 16 points in the final against Michigan. He was also a two-time consensus second-team All-American, a first-team All-ACC selection, and a first-team Academic All-American. He also represented the United States at the 1991 Pan American Games, winning a bronze medal.
Leonard and Eric met at UNC, where they were both studying journalism and had mutual friends. They started dating in 1991, and soon became inseparable. They shared a love for basketball, as well as for each other. They got married on August 27, 1994, in Tyro, a town west of Lexington. The same year, Eric was drafted as the ninth overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft.
How They Moved Around the Country and Started a Family?
Laura Leonard supported Eric throughout his professional basketball career, which spanned 10 seasons and six teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and New Jersey Nets.
They moved frequently due to Eric’s job, but Laura saw each relocation as an opportunity to explore new cities and make new friends. She also adapted to different cultures and climates, from the cold winters of Boston and Toronto to the warm summers of Dallas and Philadelphia.
Shee and Eric also started a family, having two children, Andrew and Sarah. Andrew was born in 1999, and Sarah was born in 2002. They raised their children with love and care, and instilled in them the values of education, sportsmanship, and philanthropy. They also exposed them to different places and experiences, as they traveled with Eric during his basketball career.
Leonard and Eric’s children inherited their parents’ passion for sports, especially basketball and tennis. Andrew is a sophomore at UNC, where he is studying business administration. He is also a member of the UNC men’s basketball team, following his father’s footsteps. Sarah is a senior at East Chapel Hill High School, where she is a star tennis player. She is also pursuing a degree in health policy and management with a minor in Spanish and medical anthropology from UNC. They were very proud of their children and their achievements.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm
- Weight: 55 kg or 121 lbs
- Eye color: Blue
- Body measurements: 34-25-35 in or 86-64-89 cm
- Skin color: Fair
- Hair color: Blonde
- Shoe size: 7 (US) or 4.5 (UK) or 37.5 (EU)
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $1 million |
| 2022 | $1.1 million |
| 2023 | $1.2 million |
Conclusion
Laura Leonard is a remarkable woman who has balanced her career, family, and philanthropy with grace and style. She is a loving wife, mother, and friend who has made a positive impact on her community and beyond. She is also a strong supporter of her husband, Eric, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. We wish them both the best and hope they overcome this challenge together.
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