Leyaniris Acevedo '21 Recruiting Profile

Hi! I’m Leyaniris (Leya) Acevedo and a senior at Howard W. Blake High School in Tampa, Florida. My career as a soccer player began when I was 12 years old as a forward in Puerto Rico and continued in Tampa. Joining a club like Tampa Bay United has taught me valuable skills that has helped me grow as a player as well as a person. Adapting to the way soccer is played in the United States was a big transition for me which brought value to my skill that was originally developed in Puerto Rico. With having a strict schedule between practice, traveling away for games and school, I have personally developed great time management skills. My second year with the Rowdies, my coach challenged me to a new position from a forward to a center midfielder. Being a center midfielder, I hold everyone accountable. Think of it like royalty, if the queen goes down then your kingdom will fall apart. Being in the position knowing that I am leading my team with goal opportunities drives my adrenaline to get on the field and play my position as center midfielder everyday.

Fall of 2019, I had a major injury with an ACL tear and a lateral meniscus tear which has not stopped me from pursuing my dream to play at the college level. Going through intense therapy and training throughout the recovery process has nourished my passion for soccer even more. I had the opportunity to focus on the technical side of the sport and really become a student of the game.

The 4 years I have been playing soccer I have dedicated my life, heart and soul to the sport. Which is why I take it so seriously. I’m a hard worker and never give up. That is why I am good at what I do. I give 100% everytime.