By: Joe Cardoso
Welcome to October folks! With this wild year hitting the final stretch we all continue to push forward, stay safe, and reach the goals we have for ourselves. This month we want to showcase a young lady who is on road to being a household name in the world of sports media and fashion. She has a long history in the world of golf and still has a strong passion for the game, making a recent move from her home of Flordia to the New Jersey/New York area. You can find her on a golf course, media room, or designing the next wave in fashion lets get to know our lastest mover and shaker Hannah Leiner!
Joe Cardoso: When did you start to play golf and first fall in love with the sport?
Hannah Leiner: I first started playing golf at the age of five because my dad introduced me to the game. When I started competing at the age of 12, that’s when I really fell in love with the sport because not only was winning fun, I made a lot of great friendships that I still have to this day.
JC: With the background, you have in dance, did that help with your golf game?
HL: 100%, the flexibility that I gained as a dancer helped me gain more distance when driving the ball. Not only to help me gain more distance and yardage, but it strengthened my muscles so I was less likely to get injured.
JC: What was it like winning that first tournament as a kid?
HL: The first tournament I ever won as a kid was definitely a memory I will remember forever. The first tournament I ever played in I remember shooting a 48 for nine holes and thinking to myself I need to win the next one. That’s exactly what I did, I won the second tournament I ever played in.
JC: How has your family helped you along this journey?
HL: My family has been there every step of the way throughout my golf career. From getting into the sport to paying for every tournament, lesson, equipment, and my favorite, the clothes, they are the reason I’ve gotten to where I am today.
JC: Fitness has become a massive part of not just golf, but everyday life; how do you stay in shape?
HL: I try to go to the gym at least three times a week. I don’t necessarily train specifically for my golf game, but more so I can feel great about my body and health. Back in Florida, I had an awesome trainer (@t.knoche_atc) who would train me specifically for golf and I worked with him since I was 15.
JC: We are in a golden era for women in sports; how does it feel to be a part of the movement?
HL: It’s definitely awesome to be part of a community where women support women and build each other up. Throughout my golf career, I Have definitely had my fair share of negative environments, so it’s really nice to have the community of golfers on Instagram who support each other.
JC: How do you balance school, career, and golf?
HL: All my life I have had golf and school or dance and school, so it’s become part of my routine. I never really had breaks or downtime until COVID-19.
JC: We hear you love to sing! If you could pick TWO people to di a duet with, who would it be and why?
HL: If I could do a duet with two people it would have to be Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks. I would just turn my mic off and listen to them saying because they’re icons. Lana Del Rey is that one person I would die to meet, I’ve been to four of her concerts and would still go to more just to hear her sing live.
JC: Any thoughts of gunning for the LPGA, or more focus on getting into the media arena?
HL: Even though I would love to try for the LPGA, over the years I’ve developed back problems (that Dance didn’t help me with) that unfortunately played a role in my golf career. Right now I am focusing on my studies and expanding my platform.
JC: How has the adjustment gone so far leaving Florida for New Jersey? And also handling COVID-19?
HL: it has honestly gone a lot better than expected! I’ve never lived anywhere else besides South Florida in my life and I’m glad I made the move. I have met so many new people from different places around the world and have already experienced so many new adventures. I am looking forward to all the new memories I will make here and New York City and excited for fans to attend football games again. During COVID I have obviously been taking precautions, wearing my mask, and finding different ways to keep myself indulged in the passions I’ve always had. I think one of the things we all struggle with is finding a new steady routine, so keeping up with my routine has been very important to me.
Bonus Questions:
JC: When not on the course, we can find you_____?
HL: When I’m not on the course you can find me catching up on the latest fashion trends, with my friends, or having a good meal with my boyfriend. The usual answer to this question would be the beach but it’s just not the same in Jersey.
JC: Before the end of 2020, you want to____?
HL: Before 2020 is over I want to expand my business (@shopswags) and reach more customers! About a month ago I started a clothing brand for WAGS (wives & girlfriends of pro athletes) that are all handmade and designed by me.
JC: How was it being a contestant on Holey Moley?
HL: Holey Moley was an experience that I will never forget. It brought me great friendships and taught me a lot about producing and the whole TV show. I am definitely looking forward to my next opportunity on TV!
JC: What is ONE must-have for a day on the links?
HL: Besides my favorite cocktail (anything tequila) a must-have is definitely music and my camera to capture the memories I made that day.
Watch out NYC area Hannah is on a mission. We all love to follow people’s journeys and she is all over social media and a great follow, pick a platform, and keep up with all the happenings.
Instagram- @hannahbleiner
Tiktok- @hannahbleiner
Youtube- hannahbleiner
Company: @shopswags
I think it’s is safe to say it only a matter of time until she is a household name on multiple fronts. Thank you to Hannah for taking the time to share her story and also to Eye On U Photography for the amazing shots. The Movers And Shakers series brings you people who are making moves and building a brand. Make sure to join us monthly and give NBS a follow on all platforms. Until next time stay safe and be a good human.