SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Amara Leppla, who plays club soccer in the Girls Academy for SC Wave and has verbally committed to play for Eastern Illinois University in 2026.
SoccerWire Featured Player since August 2023.
What made you decide to verbally commit to Eastern Illinois University?
I chose to commit to EIU because I really loved the campus and it was the perfect distance from home for me. They have a strong business program and provide all athletes all the resources they need to be successful student athletes. I have an SC Wave teammate joing them this fall and a couple of girls I also played against in high school soccer playing there so I’m looking forward to playing with some familiar faces too. Coach Bennett and Coach Hecht have really created an incredible team dynamic that I am so excited to become a part of.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process for me had its ups and downs. I really just tried to focus on the schools that showed interest in me and sorted out from there what I was looking for in my college experience. I wanted to go where I knew I was really wanted so I put my energy into building relationships with those coaches who continued to show interest in me.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help Eastern Illinois?
My strengths on the field are my vision and speed. I love taking on defenders 1v1 and getting past them to score and I think being able to create chances in the final 3rd for my teammates to do the same will help EIU.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subjects in school are math and accounting. My plan is to major in Business with a focus on Accounting and/or Finance.
What has your experience been like playing for SC Wave in the Girls Academy?
I just finished my second season playing with the SC Wave 07 GA team. It is comprised of some really incredible athletes and I am just so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to train and play with some of the best in the country. They really challenged me to become a better player and really helped me to elevate my game over the last two seasons. I am really going to miss our seniors next year!
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats that I have ever owned were my blue and white Nike Mercurial Superfly 10’s.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to younger players, it would be just keep believing in yourself. There will always be critics and doubters, ignore the noise and just keep grinding.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my Mom for all of her help during the recruiting process. She was also a college athlete so she knew the work it was going to take to make my dream of playing college soccer come true. She helped with everything from creating spreadsheets to help keep me organized, proofreading my letters to coaches, reviewing my highlight videos and helping me navigate Twitter to increase my exposure. I am really grateful to both of my parents for helping me keep my focus on what was really important (college education) when the recruiting process got stressful.
