Leslie HICKMAN Jr. '21 Recruiting Profile

I started kicking a soccer ball at age 7 and I can remember the satisfaction and joy when I began to play the sport, every time I set foot on the field, I remind myself how grateful I am to play soccer. In the Northern Virginia area there are strong soccer programs, I was fortunate to learn from supportive coaches that made soccer competitive and fun. Being an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for 6 years has been a privilege and also instrumental to my character building on and off the field. Scouts taught me to lead by example, be prepared, and make a strong contribution to my community. I am in the process of completing the requirements for my Eagle Scout rank. In 2019, I was named Teammate of the Year by the Virginia Youth Soccer Association.  This award inspired me  continue to work hard for future individual and team honors. I also speak 2 foreign languages (Arabic and French).

During my freshman JV season, my playing time was limited.  However, this gave me a better understanding of the importance of positioning and the overall tactical aspect of how teams perform. During my sophomore JV season, I became a starter and continued to start during my Varsity junior season.  In the summer of 2019, I was very fortunate to train at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, I gained more insight into the technical, tactical, and mental aspects of the game as well as nutrition which made me a better player. It also gave me the confidence to compete at the college level.  I’m looking for a program that will contribute to my growth.  I believe that with my work ethic, leadership, competitiveness, and dedication, I can make a substantive contribution to a college soccer program.