Tristan Leonhard graduated from Valparaiso University in May 2009 with a degree in business marketing. At that time, he took over as the Assistant Director of Recreational Sports before graduating with his masters in sports administration in May 2011. In November 2017, Leonhard was promoted to Associate Director of Recreational Sports. In Spring 2020, Leonhard received another promotion as he took over leadership of Valpo rec sports as Director of Recreational Sports / Assistant Director of Athletics. In August 2021, he continued his ascension in the Valpo Athletics leadership team when he was promoted to Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Sports and Esport Programs. 

In his role at Valpo, Leonhard is responsible for organizing and administering coordination, training and facility scheduling for all intramural programs. He supervises and trains over 150 student personnel including building supervisors, fitness center employees, lifeguards and group fitness instructors.

In addition, Leonhard serves the University community by sitting on University Council, the Staff Employee Advocacy Council, the Safety Committee and the Incident Command Team. He is the current chair of the Wellness Task Force commissioned to evaluate University-offered wellness practices, centralize programming and provide recommendations for future goals. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Valpo kinesiology department.