By Trina Walker
Playing the sport he loves with the people he loves makes soccer special to Leighton Wells. As a junior at Christian Heritage Academy, he is proud to wear Crusaders on his jersey representing Christ.
Knowing what and who he is playing for and the heart behind it is important. Wells feels blessed to have been part of the 2025 season, which was the best soccer team in his school’s history.
“Every CHA athlete represents Christ whether they like it or not and that’s something we should value,” says Wells, “I believe it’s because God blessed me with the gift of being a good soccer player and I’m passionate to glorify him with the gifts He gives me.”
The best advice, says Wells, is to remember that “God doesn’t promise a worry-free life; He promises a firm foundation to rely on when we worry.”
Part of that foundation is having friends and teammates to rely on.
“Jase White was a senior last year. Throughout last season we got to know each other a lot better and he showed me a lot about how to represent Christ on and off the field,” Wells said.
Wells is thankful to his mom, who he says “sort of” introduced his dad to soccer. His dad, in turn, introduced him to the sport as his rec team coach. Wells thanks his dad for making him a Man United fan, a soccer fan and for showing him what it means to be a godly man.
“I also thank my cousins and siblings who bullied me into being the player I am today. Thank you all!” Wells laughs.
Some of the best times growing up were spent with his older sister, Gwynneth, playing the drums and his cousin Joel Hively. From camping trips to just hanging out, Joel inspires Wells to be a better person.
“He is always looking out for others and has had my back since we were kids. Even though we’re the same age, I want to be just like him when I grow up,” Wells said.
His future plans are to play soccer in college and he may someday become a coach.
