The senior-to-be is extremely talented on and off the athletic fields and courts

 

IVAN K. RICE l doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – When it comes to playing multiple sports at the high school level, there’s no secret that many athletes, especially at small schools, will play several competitive sports where training is a must, throughout a school year. One athlete that comes to mind is Paris junior-to-be Bruce Hayden, who participated in six sports (cross country, football, swimming, indoor track, outdoor track, and soccer) last school year, with cross country, soccer, and track being his most productive sports.

There is, however, a female athlete within the Paris/Bourbon County community that also excelled in six sports during the 2024-2025 school year for the Bourbon County Colonels.

Say hello to Marleigh Estes, who will be a senior this fall at Bourbon County High School. When Estes graduates in May, she will leave as the most decorated female athlete to ever wear the Colonel maroon and gold uniform.

Who is Marleigh Estes one might ask? She can’t be the star cheerleader. No, she must be that outstanding volleyball player. Or maybe even the battled tested cross country runner. Is she the same person that was on the swimming team? Was it the Estes young lady that ran indoor track, or the Estes kid that was spectacular on the outdoor track? Maybe, she’s the same person who just happens to be great in every sport she competes in at Bourbon. That’s her, that little girl that started out playing tee-ball and soccer and now is playing every sport she can!

The best in the family?

Estes comes from a very athletic family that saw her older brother Parker become a football and basketball star in the County. Her younger brother Clay was a standout football and baseball player. Her mom, Leigh-Clay was a star cheerleader at Morehead State, while her dad Joe played baseball at Bryan Station. But none competed in so many sports at one time like Marleigh. That makes her the best athlete in their family. One can honestly say, the Estes’s saved the best for last, and the family supports their younger child fully.

“We have consistently provided Marleigh with our full support in participating in various sports, as we firmly believe that each sport benefits her abilities in others,” said her mom Leigh-Clay, who just happens to be Marleigh’s cheer coach. “She has remarkable discipline and self-motivation in each sport she undertakes, which significantly contributes to her success.”

Currently, Marleigh is lifeguarding over the summer but soon, she will get back to training for her fall sports, which will be cross country, volleyball, and cheerleading. She will be the top returning performer on each of those teams. So, putting in the work is necessary.

“I put dedication over motivation. If I rely on motivation, it will fade,” said Estes. “However, discipline pushes me no matter how I feel. I know I want to be the best I can possibly be, so having that idea in mind allows me to have something to work forward to everyday. It gives every workout a meaning.”

All-state cross country runner

Estes placed 7th at state last year during the KHSAA 2A XC State Championship and 4th at Region, in just her second year of participating in the sport. She led her team to their first ever second place team finish.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Marleigh Estes for several years now, and I can honestly say she is one of the most talented and hardest-working athletes I’ve ever seen. I’ve known her since preschool, when she and my son Mark were classmates, and even back then, I could see something special in her,” said XC Coach Drew Perraut, who is also her track coach. “What I didn’t fully grasp at the time was the relentless work ethic and laser-sharp focus she would develop—traits that have truly set her apart. The coach went on to say that when they introduced her to cross country, she took on the challenge with her usual drive and grit. “I’ll never forget the meet where she ran so hard that she collapsed—then got back up and finished the race. That moment captured who Marleigh truly is – a fierce competitor, a relentless fighter, and a true warrior. Coach Brian Watkins still talks about that moment as one of the most inspiring accomplishments he’s ever witnessed.”

With the return of Estes and her talented teammates, (Macey McKinzie, Addison Felty, Ruby DeAtley, Myla Wilson, Makenna Hunter, and Lillian Perraut) they’ll have a shot at winning the state title come November, and you best believe that Estes, who was later named all-state, has her sights on leading her cross country team to a state championship.

While doing her thing for the XC team, Estes will still be trying to do her best for the volleyball team at the same time.

Volleyball team’s reigning MVP

Estes finished last volleyball season with 270 digs, 189 kills, 135 assists, 51 service aces and 12 blocks and was named the team’s “MVP” Most Versatile Player. Without a doubt, Estes will be a key piece for first-year Coach Cassidy Gilbert’s team, who replaced former coach Lauren Eads.

When asked about her former player, Eads had this to say.

“Marleigh is a versatile and well-rounded athlete on and off the court. She can play any position she is needed and do it well. In three years of playing varsity, since she was a freshman, she played setter, right side, middle and outside. No matter where she is, she is a threat to the other team. Her dedication to athletics never goes unnoticed. She balances cross country, cheer, and volleyball at the same time. Her excellent time management and dedication shows where she rarely misses practice or games.”

Bourbon finished 19-16 last year and made it to the region tournament but they must replace a stellar senior class, and Estes will be a key piece to their rebuilding effort.

Sharing her talents with cross country and volleyball, Estes will also be spending her time with the cheer squad, where she has been named an All-American and All-star.

Cheerleading is her favorite sport

When it comes to resting, Estes honestly takes no days off. On Friday nights, one will see her cheering loudly for the football team, while also competing for the competitive cheer squad. This past season Bourbon won the In-Game 40th District Cheer Competition, which came shortly after their 10th place finish at the National Cheerleading Championship that took place at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Estes’ first varsity sport was a cheerleader where she became a star. Just through videos that her Mom has shared over social media through the years, showed how talented she really is in a sport that’s very demanding.

“I consider cheerleading to be my best sport. I’ve done it since I was three and it has taught me valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and confidence that it takes to perform under pressure,” Estes shared. “I feel that cheer had given me a firm base to build off of in my other sports such as track and volleyball. However, I am determined to grow as a runner.”

And she’s a rather good runner, where now she’s known as a state champion.

Indoor and outdoor track = state champion

Although cheering may be her favorite and best sport, one can easily argue that track is not far behind.

Freshly off a third place in the Emerging Elite 400m hurdles at the recently held 2025 Nike Outdoor Nationals that took place at the legendary Hayward Field, Estes will enter this track season as the defending state champion in the 300-meter hurdles, after a runner-up finish two years ago.

“One day during track season, I introduced Marleigh to pole vault for the first time. Within just 30 minutes of instruction, she cleared 7 feet 6 inches, an incredible feat for a first timer and a testament to her natural athleticism. And when Coach Shelly Simpson helped guide her into the hurdles, I knew records were going to fall. And they did,” said Coach Perraut. “I know I only have one more year to coach her, but I’m certain her senior season will be unforgettable. Marleigh is aiming high, chasing the state record in the 300m hurdles, and I have no doubt she will give everything she’s got, as she always does.”

Marleigh shared the indoor track season with swimming and cheer. She did that so she could stay active and continue with not having any “down time” heading into outdoor track, while at the same time, she had to keep up with her studies.

The classroom and her future plans

Knowing she is truly not taking “any days off,” what motivates her to keep going, and how does she manage the time with her classroom work, where she carries a very impressive 4.2 grade point average.

“I know that God blessed me with my abilities for a reason and knowing that gives me a firm foundation to rely on. I owe Him all the glory for everything I have accomplished,” Estes said. “Sometimes I lose sight of the term “Student-Athlete” and start becoming an “Athlete-Student.” However, I always try to complete my schoolwork during school time or after practice(s), even if it’s late at night.”

After high school, the six-sport star plans to pursue a career in Pediatric Physical Therapy. This field would allow her to combine her interests in health and movement.

“I have always enjoyed working with kids and the idea of helping them overcome physical challenges deeply motivates me.”

For the Bourbon County future hall of famer, she’s a winner, and if she’s doing it, look for it to be phenomenally successful.

Coach Perraut added this in closing.

“Marleigh is a once-in-a-generation athlete. She’s the kind of competitor that every coach dreams of and the kind of teammate everyone wants beside them. Her never-quit attitude, her love for sports, and her incredible talent are unmatched. I know Joe and Leigh-Clay are incredibly proud of her, and rightfully so. She’s already made history, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

When it comes to Marleigh Estes and her dedication … probably plenty!