Player Feature: Jocelyn Leigh

Jocelyn Leigh poses for her Player Feature article. Credit: Tom Arnison, Crystal Hunter, and Tyler Navas

Jocelyn Leigh, center forward for Edgewater Castle FC’s Women’s First Team, has been a vital addition to the team inas this is her first ever season playing with the Rooks. In this part of the Player Feature series, Leigh reflects on how much she loves to play soccer and how excited she is to start her journey at ECFC.

What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?

“I would probably say doing AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) when I was little. In terms of adult life, [I realized I wanted to continue playing soccer] probably in high school when I started thinking about playing [soccer] in college and [entering the] recruitment process. I play at Marquette [University] right now and I’ll be a sophomore.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?

“The mental health aspect. [I’ve had] some struggles of overcoming [certain obstacles] and [I am still] working on [these struggles] as I continue to grow as a player. [I’ve faced] different challenges throughout [my soccer career].”

Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?

“I’m from Evanston, so when I was younger I played for Team Evanston. I started club [soccer] a little late and my first few coaches were some of the best coaches I’ve ever had. They were super sweet but also really helped me to develop [as a soccer player]. The coaches from that club were very influential for me.”

Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?

“Sophomore year of high school during the spring season. We went to [the] state [championship] and it was a really fun year.”

What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?

“During the season, we have practice Tuesday, Thursday, and games on the weekends. I haven’t been [a part of ECFC] for that long. I train the other days that we don’t have practice. We have practice late at night, so I try to lift before practice. [During the offseason] I’m usually just playing at Marquette [University] or in another league. 

 How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?

“The biggest thing that helps me would probably be self-talking or just reassuring myself. Combating any negative thoughts I have and knowing that I’ve done this before, it’ll be fine. Turn the nervousness into excitement.”

If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

“I would probably be training on my own, but I don’t think it’d be very structured and I don’t think it’d be as fun. I’ve already met a lot of cool people at Edgewater.”

Why did you join ECFC?  

“The coaches reached out to me. I met with them and they all seemed super nice. Also the training [practices] and games were close [to where I live], so I felt pretty good about [the club]. The main thing though was getting to meet the coaches, seeing them and their personalities, I really enjoyed [getting to know them].

What has been your favorite memory with the team?

“The games are a lot of fun, we’ve had two games so far this season. The game that we had [last]over the weekend, on Saturday [against Crystal Lake Force], was super fun. It was cool to see everyone playing in their natural element and seeing my teammates start to shine. I thought that was a lot of fun”

What is your favorite pregame song?

“I really like rap. Just in general, it’s the only genre that can really get me hype right before the game.”

Who’s your favorite soccer player?

“Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) or [Lionel] Messi.”

What’s your favorite pregame meal?

“Probably a salad or pasta. Something with carbs, like bread.”

What advice would you give to young players who want to continue playing soccer in their adult life?

“I would say [playing soccer] can be difficult and it comes with a lot of challenges. But the things that you’re able to do and the opportunities that you have make it so worth it. [Playing soccer] is just so much fun and it’s [a feeling] that you can’t really get from anything else.”