Leslie Jean Deniz (born May 25, 1962) is an American athlete who competed mainly in the women's discus throw event. Deniz was born in Oakland, California and grew up in Gridley, California where she attended area schools, graduating from Gridley High School in 1980. While there she twice improved the NFHS national high school record in the discus throw to 172' 11" which lasted for two years. Deniz was adopted into a long time dairy farming family. Deniz completed her BA and MA and worked as a police officer and administrator with the Yuba City Police Department.