2008 Woodie Awards
Defenders must bow at his presence
Junior Leonardo makes opposing teams tremble with his goal-scoring abilities, team play, and unselfishness
Ricky Clark, David Bermudez
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Sports
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Coming into Chabot College from Hayward High School, Junior Leonardo has made an inspiring impression.
The Peruvian native leads the Gladiators in both goals, and assists.
In 10 games he has scored 13 goals, three of them on Tuesday against Cabrillo College, plus four assists.
Confident, competitive and humble, Leonardo shows he is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
"In most of the teams I've been with, I've always been one of the top goal scorers," said Leonardo.
Leonardo went on to say, "In high school I scored 25 goals, but I'd rather have more wins than being a goal scorer. I care more about winning than being the top goal scorer, and for our team to be successful."
The goals by Leonardo have led the Gladiators to an overall winning record of 6-3-1.
Hailing from Lima, Peru, the 19 year-old Gladiator came to the states with his parents at the age of 9.
He began playing soccer when he was five. Soccer is a sport that runs in his blood.
Leonardo's family features three uncles who have played professionally for the soccer club Alianza Lima. Leonardo's passion for the game is one of the many things that help fire his enthusiasm for a game.
"I just love soccer and play because I love it and always have," said Leonardo.
Leonardo also talked about his future soccer career and where he may want to transfer after he is done playing at Chabot.
"I want to play at a university, but don't know where yet. I would love to play professionally, but if I don't, it just didn't happen."
Leonardo added, "My teammates don't point the finger and criticize me. They are really supportive and all of them are great teammates."
Leonardo is not only inspired by his teammates but by the two people who brought him into this world, his parents. "My mom and dad are what inspires me to play," said Leonardo.
"They are always with me and support whatever it is I do. They have been doing this ever since I was a little kid."
Leonardo will look to help lead the Gladiators to future wins and a conference and league championship.
Leonardo is currently ranked third in goals scored among Californa community colleges. He can add more goals as the Gladiators still have 10 more games to play.
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