Angel Leon-Hernandez '28 Recruiting Profile

My name is Angel Benito Leon-Hernandez.  I was born in Oakland, CA and reside in San Pablo, CA, in the Bay Area.  I am a current freshman at Richmond High School.  I am of Mexican descent.  My father was born in Michoacan, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. when he was young.  My mother was born in Oakland, CA and her parents immigrated from Durango and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  I was introduced to soccer from birth by my grandfather and my mother.  I started to play as a PeeWee for San Pablo United Youth Soccer Club (SPUYSC) at age 2 when I was still wearing diapers. 

I play competitive soccer and play for both San Pablo United Youth Soccer Club (SPUYSC) and also guest play for Idaho Surf Hailey. I play Varsity soccer with Richmond High School.  I was selected as a Freshman for the Varsity team where I play mostly right wing but also as striker.  

I play the regular soccer club season with SPUYSC where I play for San Pablo Lions, a 2009/2010 team, as right wing and attacking forward and where I am team captain. Our team plays in the Premier bracket for NorCal Premier Soccer, which is the highest level of play our club offers. We also play for NorCal’s State Cup.  In the spring 2024 season, I was invited to play with San Pablo Falcons, a 2008 team in our club, where I played forward. 

I play tournaments with Idaho Surf Hailey and Surf Select.  I have played tournaments in Arizona, Utah, Las Vegas and Washington.  I also played in the 2022 NPL Finals in Denver with Surf.  In November 2023 I was selected to play with Surf Select in Salou, Spain in the 2023 International Surf Cup.  In August 2024 I was selected to play with Surf Select in Reading near London, England in the 2024 Royal Pre Season Cup.

Education is very important for me and in our home.  I am a student athlete and while I train multiple days a week, play for different teams, and have several games every week, education is my priority.  I study hard and make sure to complete all assignments.  I am able to seek tutoring and help when I need it.  Math and History are my favorite subjects in school.  I am really enjoying my Introduction to Law in Richmond High School's Law Academy.  I am interested in a career in law, either in criminology or as an attorney.  My goal is to attend a university as a student athlete and play soccer while I am able to work to obtain a degree. 

While many aspects of my life revolve around soccer and my soccer schedule, there are life lessons that I have able to take from my years of play.  In 2017 my family had a house fire and we were displaced for almost a year.  It was soccer and our schedule and routine that were able to get us through the challenging times.  My family was able to grow closer and come out stronger.  As a player I have also endured a couple of injuries that have led me to be out of play.  One of these was a State Cup match.  I felt hopeless and as if I had let down my team.  I had to learn how to support from the bench and encourage my teammates.  I plan to continue with my career in soccer and continue to learn from this amazing sport.