Senior Defender Leah Navarro has dedicated her high school career to donning both a BIC soccer and cheer jersey. While the choice to play a sport takes a lot of dedication and commitment from any student athlete, this is a particularly difficult endeavor for Navarro who is limited to playing for a co-ed soccer team, as BIC has no female only soccer club.

Coming in as a freshman player, Navarro was intimidated by the idea of being a female athlete playing against boys. 

“It was very scary and difficult and I got almost no playing time. They’re just big and tough,” said Navarro.

After four years of playing experience and getting the time to gel with her teammates, Navarro has seen a tremendous amount of growth in herself on the soccer field, saying,“I’m still scared, but with time playing with my teammates, I feel more comfortable playing against other teams.”

 Navarro’s coach, Natilie Stricklin, has taught her how to be aggressive enough to be able to compete against boys in such a physical, male dominated sport. 

“Coach Stricklin has told me since the beginning of the year to work hard and have a good mentality, and it will pay off in the end,” said Navarro who has seen her playing time grow over the years. 

While it is unexpected for a girl to be playing a mostly male sport, Navarro wanted to embrace the challenge. 

“I wanted to try something new. I tried out for soccer before I even tried out for cheer, and I instantly enjoyed it, the new environment. It got me out of my shell to be around different people in a new environment.”

Since Navarro will be graduating at the end of year, she has reflected on her time on the soccer team. “I remember my first year on the team, all of the boys on the bus would switch out the words in songs and make their own raps, and it made everyone else laugh,” said Navarro.

  After spending a few years on the team, Navarro  will miss most the friendships with her teammates. “I will miss all of the relationships I have built with all of my teammates, they have helped through some of the hardest times and are always there for me,” said Navarro 

Though Navarro has loved her time on the team she is excited for the next adventure. “It has really been a character building sport, and has given me memories I will never forget,” said Navarro.