ABOUT
UniVarsity, LLC is a college admissions consulting company that helps students find a college match. UniVarsity focuses on both academics and athletic recruiting.
UniVarsity works with students through the whole admissions process. We work one-on-one with our clients to develop a list of schools and direct the application process. Our goal is to match students with schools that are a great fit in all areas including academic, athletic, social, location, size, and financial.
At UniVarsity, we strongly believe that every student and family situation is unique with different needs and requirements, so we customize our approach to working with students and families to create a positive and productive experience for each student. We help students create a strategy for standardized testing, develop meaningful extracurricular activities, plan their high school curriculum, manage the timeline for college applications, and provide essay brainstorming and guidance. We also help athletes contact coaches and plan unofficial and official visits. If the whole process seems intimidating and stressful, let us help you make it fun!
TEAM
Karen Leonard
President, UniVarsity
Karen became president of UniVarsity after a nearly decade-long involvement with the company. UniVarsity guided both of her children through the college application process. Karen was impressed to see her children take responsibility for their college search and transform into emerging adults forging their own paths. Now, she loves helping other students prepare for the transition to college while reducing the stress of the admissions process for families.
Karen graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.A. in English and a minor in philosophy. Her background includes teaching English in Japan and working one-on-one with students with special needs as a behavioral assistant with LBUSD. Now she is excited to work with college-bound high school students, helping them envision and create a path for their futures.
Karen has a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from UC Irvine. She is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). She enjoys staying current with the ever-changing college landscape through involvement in these professional associations, engaging with college admissions counselors, and visiting a wide variety of campuses.
After Nicole, the founder of UniVarsity, retired, Karen has been honored to carry on the tradition of helping students showcase their personalities and talents on their college applications so they can reap the rewards of their hard work in high school.
Karen lives in Long Beach with her husband and dog Polo (who also loves touring college campuses). Their daughter graduated from Amherst College in 2019 with a degree in physics and computer science and is enjoying a career as a software developer. Their son graduated from UC Santa Barbara where he studied political science and was his fraternity’s president. He is currently a firefighter in Long Beach.
Hayley Thompson
Student Liaison & Application Specialist
Hayley would be a forever student if given the chance. Her college journey began at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree followed by a Master's in Education. During her time there, she worked for the First Year Experience office, assisting with freshman orientation and campus tours, and for the Kirby Program Board, bringing events to campus.
Creating a fun and supportive atmosphere for her fellow students has been one of the highlights of Hayley's college experience and inspired her to pursue a Master's in Education. Currently, she is working toward her Doctorate in Education and Student Success.
Hayley proudly calls herself a “Cheerleader for Education” because helping students pursue an education that fits their goals and personalities is incredibly rewarding for her. As an Application Specialist, Hayley works closely with students to help them discover their goals and interests. Her experience and friendly personality help create an environment that is both productive and enjoyable.
Outside of work, Hayley loves to travel, spend time outdoors with her dogs and family, and continually learn new things. She is also passionate about sports, especially when it comes to her home state teams from Minnesota.
Nicole Gracie
Founder, UniVarsity, LLC
Nicole began her career in college sports as a NCAA Division I athlete at the University of California, Berkeley on the women's gymnastics team.
After a successful career in consultative sales and marketing for high-tech companies, Nicole started UniVarsity in 2010, working with students to understand their academic and athletic goals and helping them achieve those goals.
Nicole retired in 2022 and lives with her husband in Long Beach. They have one daughter who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College in MA and was named as an All-American Scholar for Women’s Golf. She is pursuing her PhD in Economics at Harvard University.