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 Leah Fernald, who plays for Virginia Development Academy (VDA) in the ECNL, and has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer for St. John’s University in 2027.
SoccerWire Featured Player since June 2023.
What made you decide to verbally commit to St. John’s?
I chose St. John’s because I immediately connected with the coaches, the school, and the overall atmosphere and proximity to NYC. From my very first phone conversation, to my visit, the coaches were welcoming and supportive. One of my club coaches also played for SJU and she said it was the best four years of her life. On my visit, the team was incredibly friendly, they were dedicated to soccer and school and I saw how they pushed each other. Something that stood out to my family was how long Coach Stone has been at SJU and even more impressive was that the coaching staff were former SJU players. The campus felt like a place where I could truly feel at home.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process was definitely full of ups and downs. Each conversation and visit was unique but I learned a lot about the coaches and the programs which helped me make an informed decision. Talking to coaches on the phone, then in person and visiting different schools was exciting, but it also challenged me to be patient and to do my research. What I learned most about myself is that I’m tougher and more resilient than I realized. Going through the process showed me the importance of trusting myself and ultimately choosing the place that felt right for me.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Red Storm?
I think my biggest strengths are my work rate, vision, and ability to connect play. I love to compete and bring a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. I feel like I can help the team by keeping possession, creating chances, and doing the little things that make us tougher to play against. My goal is to contribute in a way that makes everyone around me better and helps the team succeed.
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 science and history. I enjoy learning about both the human body and events that happened in the past. In college, I’d like to study biomedical science because I’m really interested in the medical field and how science can be applied to help people.
What has your experience been like playing for Virginia Development Academy?
I began playing with Virginia Soccer Association (VSA) when I was three years old. I started on VSA’s 3rd team, but with the support of great coaches, I developed and learned the value of hard work making the ECNL team at U13. At the ECNL level, VSA becomes Virginia Development Academy (VDA), which has provided incredible opportunities to compete against top opponents, play in different age groups, stay disciplined, and continue improving. The VDA coaches push me daily to be my best and I am lucky to have teammates that have always challenged me. VDA is like a second family to me, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats are the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elites. I have owned multiple pairs in different colors, but I loved them all.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
The best advice I would give to a younger player is my favorite quote: “What you do when nobody is watching is what separates a champion from everybody else.” If you stay committed to improving every day, even when you’re struggling, or when no one else sees the effort, the results will come. Eventually you will be a player that coaches want on the field and teammates want beside them.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I want to give a shoutout to my family for their endless love and support through every step of this journey. I’m grateful for my VSA/VDA coaches and teammates, who pushed me to be my best every day, who have believed in me and helped me grow as a player. I want to thank my coaches outside of the club environment who helped improve my individual technical skills, strength, and speed.
Finally, a special shoutout to the St. John’s coaching staff who believed in me and gave me this opportunity.
