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ABOUT LEAH

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Leah's Bio

Leah was born in San Antonio, TX in 2006. At the age of 2, Leah moved with her family to Rio Rancho, NM. 

 

Leah started playing soccer at the age of 5 and has played with a number of elite club soccer teams in New Mexico and Arizona.  At the age of 14, Leah was recruited to play soccer and attend school and the world renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

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SOCCER INFO

Leah Varela #22

Midfield, Defense

About:

Home City & State: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Current Height: 5'2"

Current Weight: 120

 

College Info:

School:  Mississippi State

Current Classification: Freshman

Major: Kinesiology

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I give my absolute best every day because my team and coaches deserve that from me.  I'm a hard worker who isn't afraid to put in the extra time and work to give me the best chance at achieving my dreams and goals.

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- Leah Varela

 

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Leah Varela

Soccer Info

Current Club: IMG Academy Elite 06G GAL (FL)

Past Soccer Clubs:  Rio Rapids (NM) , SC Del Sol DA (AZ), Albuquerque United Football Club (AUFC) (NM)

Position: Midfield, Outside Back, Wing

Jersey Number: 13

High School:  IMG Academy

City:  Bradenton

State:  Florida

Graduation Year:  2024

 

Soccer Honors:

  • 2022 IMG Academy Athletic & Personal Development Player of the Year Award Recipient 

  • 2023, 2022, 2021 Girls Academy League South East Conference Top 32 Selection

  • 2021 Girls Academy League (GAL) National Championship (IMG Academy): Runner-Up

  • 2020, 2019, 2018 ODP State Team Selection (NM)

  • 2020, 2019, 2018 ODP West Regional Camp Selection

  • 2020, 2019 ODP Interregional Selection (West)

  • 2019 ODP Top 18 Selection to Play In Iceland Tournament (Cancelled Due To Covid)

  • 2019 NM United High Performance Program selection (1 of only 3 female players selected)

Soccer Goals:

  • Help team (IMG) win National Championship

  • Play for U.S Youth National Team & Play for U.S. Women's National Team

  • Earn scholarship to top D1 Soccer Program

  • Play Professional Women's Soccer

Other Sports/Honors: 

Cross Country:

  • Rio Rancho High School: 2019 Varsity Letterman (As 8th Grader)

  • 11th place at State Cross Country Meet in 2019

Track & Field:

  • 2017 & 2018 U.S. Track & Field State Championships Runner-Up (1500 & 3000)

  • 2X Regional Qualifier

Basketball:

  • Club & School Basketball: 2013 to 2018

References: 

Janny Rivera (Head Coach):  Janny.rivera@img.com | 941-539-9409

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George Van Linder (Director of Girls Soccer Recruitment):  George.vanlinder@img.com |  318-379-8446

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Don Cameron (Director of IMG Soccer) Donald.cameron@img.com |  941-704-8516

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UPCOMING GAMES

UPCOMING GAMES & RESULTS

WHAT COACHES ARE SAYING

Leah’s Drive, determination and dedication to improve herself both on and off the field is fired by her desire to elevate her game to the highest level possible. She is extremely focused and hard-working, yet humble and a great person to be around. She is always listening and learning, always wanting to improve areas of her game or wanting to learn something new. She is never complacent in her development and it is these things that make her an absolute pleasure to coach.

Leah’s future is extremely bright. No matter what goals she sets herself, she will do whatever it takes to achieve those goals.

 

—  Simon Rothman, Rio Rio Rapids U15 Boys Coach, U16 Girls Coach, Former 2019 West Region Competitive Coach of the Year

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