Thanks in part to Harlingen’s Leah Leal, the Lady Cardinals have had a remarkable 2018 season thus far with notable victories over Harlingen South and Los Fresnos.
The senior’s remarkable presence on the ball is just one reason why the Lady Cardinals were one of the teams to beat in District 32-6A this year.
“Leah is a great player to have on our team,” said Harlingen head coach Debra Galvan. “She is a well-rounded player who can play defense and offense. She plays each game with intensity and gives good assists.
“We are glad to have such a versatile player like her on the team and we will miss her next season.”
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Leal and get to know the star midfielder a little better.
—
Q: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your athletic career?
LEAH: I suffered a serious foot injury last season. Dealing with that injury was mentally challenging for me. Physically, I was unsure if I would be able to play the way I used to or if I’d be able to continue to compete at the collegiate level. I was able to overcome the mental aspect with the non-stop support of my parents and friends, and the physical aspect with the support of my physician and athletic trainers.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals that you must do before a game?
LEAH: I don’t have pre- game rituals really, other than the fact that I pray before every game.
Q: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
LEAH: God’s got me because no matter what I do everything will be OK in the end.
Q: What do you love about the game of soccer?
LEAH: I love the game. I love how the game of soccer brings so many people from all over together. I love the way the ball hits the net and the sound that it makes. It would have to be the best sound/feeling for me in the game.
Q: The team is having one of its best seasons in recent memory. What been the team’s motivation this season?
LEAH: Our team has always known we have a lot of talent, it was just a matter of believing in ourselves and learning how to use our strengths together as a team. This season we decided that we would make playoffs no matter what and go as far as possible.
Q: What’s the team’s mood heading into this Thursday’s big game against Edinburg Vela?
LEAH: We are in good spirits, we are practicing hard and we are motivated to win!
Q: What has been the most exciting moment of your high school career?
LEAH: One of the most exciting moments was, of course, beating Harlingen South this year. After the whistle blew and we had beaten South, everyone came together on the field. We had played so hard for our coach and it was an emotional win for her and all of us. We were all so excited, showing love toward one another, especially our coach.
Q: What’s the best advice you would give to the future athletes ready to get started?
LEAH: Train hard because there’s always someone out there training harder than you.
Q: If you could have dinner with anybody, who would it be and why?
LEAH: Pope Francis because I heard he’s a huge soccer fan and I would love to talk to him! Lionel Messi and Zac Efron would be nice also.
