Each week of the school year, Napoli Daily News selects athletes who stood out the previous week based on a combination of the coaches report and school nominations sent to sports@naplesnews.com and our coverage. These athletes are voted every Monday at naplesnews.com and as our readers, you vote for the person you think you did it the best. The winner of the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week will receive a vote sponsored by Elevate Home Services, with a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by the USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get a better idea of the winners, Naples Daily News hosts weekly Q&A sessions with each athlete.
Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week was sponsored by FEB’s Elevate Home Services on January 27th. 1 was Marcela Leon, a St. John Neumann Girls soccer player. To be nominated, Leon scored a game-winning goal against the First Baptists in the District 1 1A-12 Championship, securing a majority of the vote.
Question: How early did you get into soccer? What attracted you to the sport?
Leon: I joined soccer around 4-5. My dad was always exposed to soccer when I was younger. I knew I loved soccer because it was really competitive.
What are the highlights of your soccer career so far?
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Leon: There are a few highlights in my career. My best was probably the shot I did against the FBA, which ultimately went viral and became the last final winning shot to win the district championship.
Are there any routines or rituals you do before the game?
Leon: I have a routine, I usually like to take a nap or listen to music before a game. Use your phone at least an hour before the game to avoid being distracted.
Do you have soccer players from the US or abroad that you admire or enjoy?
Leon: I respect Cristiano Ronaldo. He has always been my favorite football player and the player I wanted to like. He is confident and makes sure that mistakes don’t reach him.
If you weren’t playing soccer, which sport would you participate in and why?
Leon: If I wasn’t playing soccer, I don’t know if I’d play another sport. My mind is always about soccer and I don’t see myself playing another sport.
X: Follow sports reporter Alex Martin at @NP_ALEXMARTIN. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @NDNPREPZONE on @NewSpressSports and Instagram.
