I’m Leila Burki, a junior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. I have been a member of my school’s varsity field hockey team since sophomore year and am also a goalkeeper for the Next Level Field Hockey Club, based in Bethesda, Maryland.
You could call me a late bloomer—I started playing field hockey in 8th grade. Years of tennis taught me eye-hand coordination and fast footwork, so when an opportunity opened to play goalie, I decided to try it. And I liked it! Knowing I’m the last line of defense is empowering and also stressful. So I’ve found myself regularly asking coaches for advice on how I can improve my techniques. In the process, I’ve learned to be more vocal and to communicate to my teammates clearly, and being a goalie has helped me become more of a leader on and off the field.
Off the field, I’ve taken the leadership skills I’ve learned through field hockey and was elected as an officer for my high school’s Best Buddies club. I am very involved with the special needs community. My brother, who is seven years older than me, is autistic, and this has had a huge impact on who I am as a person. Starting in 3rd grade, I began volunteering with Best Buddies and in 7th grade I started working with a local organization, Sports Plus, which provides social opportunities for children and young adults with autism. I’ve really enjoyed helping this community reach their potential through art, sports, and community activities.
I hope to continue my sports career and volunteer work in college.