Markisha Lea, Class of 2003, was perhaps the greatest three sport athlete M.L. King has ever seen. In today’s world of specialization and single sport focus, Markisha embraced her participation in volleyball, basketball and track. It wasn’t just about the competition for her, it was about, as she put it, “having fun.”

Markisha first lettered in track as a freshman and in her four years of varsity competition, she was stellar. Markisha was team MVP twice-a 3 year CIF qualifier in the 400-a 2 year CIF Finalist including a 4th place finish by the Wolves 4 x 400 team and a 6 th Place finish in the 400. She was a team captain and sits in the All-time Top Ten in 6 events. The King girls won 4 straight League championships and finished 4th in CIF Division 2 in 2002 while Markisha was on the team. Markisha was undefeated in league competition in the 400 during her 4 years.

A three-year letter winner in basketball she had career totals of 1695 points and 932 rebounds. Her three- year averages were 22.6 ppg and 12 rpg. Markisha led Riverside County in scoring in 2002 with 23 ppg. She was a three-year captain and led the Wolves to the Sunkist League Championship in 2002. She was also a two-time league MVP-3 time All-League and 2 time All-Riverside County and All-CIF performer. She was also a three- time team MVP, an All-LA Times Inland Empire and a Street and Smith Magazine All-American honorable mention.

She only played Volleyball for two seasons for the Wolves but again, the honors rolled in. She was a two time All-League Performer and in her senior year was the Sunkist League MVP and made All-CIF. Markisha wasn’t just an athlete but a leader on campus serving in ASB for 4 years, concluding her senior year as ASB President. She was also a four- year scholar athlete and honor roll student.

From King, Markisha landed at USC on the Women’s Basketball squad where she lettered all four years. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in Psychology. For about nine years, she served as an Academic Advisor in the USC athletic department and is now and Academic Coach and Coordinator at Arizona State University.