Mar 19, 2021
Taking a little break from the Youth Soccer Discussion, we are introducing a new segment: The Player's Spotlight, which will give other young players an opportunity to hear from their local peers and role models.
Today's guest, Leroy Enzugusi, is living the dream. Born in Kenya, Leroy made it to Iowa via Memphis, Tennessee, landing in Marion as a preteen. One of the best parts of his story is how he was introduced to the game on a visit with his cousins back in Kenya - on the streets of Nairobi at age 11 playing chobowe (you'll have to listen) with a bunch of kids he barely knew.
Upon his return, Leroy's trajectory has been vertical. He quickly convinced his mother to sign him up for organized soccer and he was playing for the Cedar River Soccer Association shortly thereafter. After starring for Linn-Marr High School, helping them to their first ever state championship and garnering all the accolades (including Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016), Leroy took the leap to play for the Sporting Kansas City Academy before committing to Drake University. A prolific goal scorer and tricky winger with pace for days, Leroy is now heading back to Tennessee after being drafted by Major League Soccer's Nashville SC.
A modest, but confident young man, we'll chat with Leroy about building good habits, balancing school and soccer plus we'll have some great conversation surrounding a player's mentality and dealing with disappointment, setbacks and failure.