Edmond Santa Fe High School goalkeeper Eurish Danielle Leones measures success by more than saves. The junior varsity soccer player has already earned a rare honor beyond the high school game, but she says the people around her matter just as much as the milestones.
Leones said the achievement she treasures most is reaching the U17 Philippine Women’s National Team and representing her country. “I am most proud of being able to make it onto the U17 Philippine Women’s National Team (PWNT) and being able to represent my country,” she said. That accomplishment reflects years of work in goal and a willingness to compete at a high level while still embracing her role at Edmond Santa Fe.
For Leones, soccer has always been about connection as much as competition. “Sports has taught me how to connect and bond with my teammates and friends,” she said.
She said one of the biggest influences in her life has been her parents, whose sacrifices helped her family build a new life in the United States. “My parents inspire me because they have worked hard to get us here in the U.S.,” she said, adding that she hopes to repay them for the opportunities they created for her.
Leones also credits the people who helped her feel at home. She said her favorite teacher was Ms. Wilhelm, her fourth-grade teacher, because she was welcoming and inspiring when Leones first arrived in the United States. She also pointed to friend and teammate Claire Varanusupakul as someone who pushes her to improve in school and in soccer.
Representing Edmond Santa Fe, Leones said, comes with a feeling she never takes for granted. “My favorite part of representing my high school being able to hear the crowd cheer and seeing the community get together and come out to support the team,” she said.
She added that she is thankful for her parents, God, coaches, friends and teammates for helping her grow as a player and person. And when she thinks about the goalkeeper she has admired for years, her answer comes quickly: Liverpool star Alisson Becker.
