Leslie Bair's senior season was not supposed to begin this way.

Named co-captain of the team for a second consecutive season, the Penn State gymnast was plagued by a knee injury that kept her out of the lineup for almost a month. Practicing with a thick, protective bandage wrapped around her leg, the athlete never once complained, whined or winced, and in no time, she had persuaded the trainers to clear her for competition.

"She dealt with injury the best I've ever seen anybody deal with injury," Penn State women's gymnastics assistant coach Jessica Bastardi said.

It has been said that "laughter is part of the human survival kit." With a boisterous, energetic laugh, Bair has maintained a positive mental attitude and a matching smile, which have helped her overcome adversity and grief.

On Sept. 20, 1993, the Philadelphia Phillies were vying for postseason play and Nirvana was about to release its "In Utero" album. For Bair, who was just 12 years old, the date holds much more significance.

After developing a brain tumor, Leslie's younger sister, Kelly, died at the age of eight.

Bair, who had begun to compete in gymnastics just three years earlier, said she believes that the event deeply changed her outlook on life.

"It made me appreciate the little stuff in life, and to take everything day by day," Bair said.

Born on Valentine's Day, 1981, in Lancaster, Bair was convinced by a friend who competed in gymnastics to attend an open gym when she was nine years old. After deciding to participate in the sport, Bair starred at Prestige Gymnastics and attended Hempfield H.S. before moving on to Penn State.

Bair quickly made an impression during her freshman season, when she competed in every meet and scored a 9.725 at the 2000 NCAA Championships. Bair's sophomore season was also successful, as she became one of Penn State's top competitors on the vault and floor events. The most satisfying achievement of Bair's career came at the start of her junior season, when she was named the team's co-captain.

"Making captain is my proudest moment," Bair said. "I think I've really grown and matured as a leader."

Bastardi, who served as a Nittany Lion team captain while attending Penn State in the mid-80's, believes that Bair has become the complete team player and a successful commander.

"Leslie is willing to do whatever it takes to bring everybody on the same page," Bastardi said. "She manages to step up her levels of execution, consistency and difficulty, and she pushes not only herself but those around her to do better."

After missing action with the knee injury, Bair has returned with the same intensity and passion that have made her successful. Bair has developed much more consistency and increased her skill level, said Penn State women's gymnastics coach Steve Shephard.

"Leslie is a wonderful example of a true student-athlete at Penn State, and she's an incredible team leader," Shephard said. "She has a lot to offer in terms of leadership, and she has really helped this team develop its identity."

A Human Development and Family Studies major, Bair will intern at the Second Mile, a local philanthropy, this summer. Expecting to graduate in the winter, Bair will look for a job in community service or return to school to earn a teaching degree.

According to Bair's favorite quote, "Both tears and sweat are salty, but render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy, sweat will get you change." Bair, with an infectious smile and unrivaled laugh, has found success and overcome adversity through hard work and dedication.