Carina Lageyre: A young athlete scoring major points

BY KAYLA GATES

For the average teenager, one’s life does not consist of intense training, fierce competition and traveling the world, all for the sake of soccer. However, freshman Carina Lageyre has exceeded expectations. At only 14 years old, Lageyre has accepted a spot on the United States women’s national soccer team, an honor most can only dream of.

For Lageyre, soccer was a calling. She discovered the sport at the early age of 3 and has stuck with it ever since. However, she could not have possibly predicted where the hobby would take her.

After playing at a showcase in South Carolina through the Development Academy, Lageyre was called upon to play for the U.S. Under-15 (U15) Girls’ National Team.

“I would say that I developed an immediate passion because I have been playing with a soccer ball at my feet for as long as I could remember,” Lageyre said. “My two older sisters used to play all the time, so I would watch all of their trainings and I wanted to play with them.”

Lageyre has been a member of several teams over the years. She began at Cooper City Optimist, eventually moving to the Davie United Soccer Club. Both are travel soccer leagues that consist of regular practices and distant tournaments. Lageyre currently plays in the Development Academy for Weston FC, which is considered to be one of the top youth soccer organizations in the United States.

However, last June, Lageyre’s talent opened up an even greater opportunity. After playing at a showcase in South Carolina through the Development Academy, Lageyre was called upon to play for the U.S. Under-15 (U15) Girls’ National Team.

“The head coach of the U15 national team was at my three games, and she told my coach after my last game that I would be going to the next camp in a few weeks from then,” Lageyre said. “From then on, I have attended five camps in places such as the Netherlands, Portland and California.”

“I definitely need good time management,” she said. “It is almost impossible to procrastinate, even though it may be hard not to.”

The program, which recognizes and assists young soccer players with the potential to represent their country, has allowed Lageyre to grow as an athlete. Through these camps, which are held all over the world, she has played with some of the top soccer players in the country.

“[The camps] are so fun and challenging, and are always an honor,” she said. “By attending national team camps, you get more interest from colleges for eventual commitments, and you get to go on international trips to play some of the strongest competition in the world.”

Although an incredible opportunity, Lageyre admits that it doesn’t come without its downsides.

While it is a privilege to be a part of, the league consists of long practice hours, as well as extensive travel. Balancing both the team and her grades requires a large amount of effort on Lageyre’s part.

“I definitely need good time management,” she said. “It is almost impossible to procrastinate, even though it may be hard not to.”

For Lageyre, it can be a struggle to find the time, especially with the intense classes she takes in school. Still, Lageyre manages to work on her assignments in between training and tournaments.

“She is very smart and driven,” freshman Ashley Ferrelli said. “Not only is she an amazing soccer player, but she does it all while maintaining straight A’s.”

“I will also try to go over information for tests in the car to or from my training,” Lageyre said. “When I have trips that require long travel days, I make sure that I bring all of my schoolwork with me to ensure that I am staying on track.”

Her accomplishments go beyond the field, as Lageyre excels in the classroom as well. With so much of her time dedicated to soccer, many are astonished by her excellent grades, especially in honors classes. Lageyre’s rigorous schedule, which can be daunting alone, is perfectly intertwined with her obligations to her team.

Lageyre’s management of both soccer and school hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her accomplishments have made Lageyre’s name widely known among the freshman class. Her peers admire the young athlete’s ability to balance her education with her extracurricular activities.

“She is very smart and driven,” freshman Ashley Ferrelli said. “Not only is she an amazing soccer player, but she does it all while maintaining straight A’s.”

Ferrelli, who went to middle school and now high school with Lageyre, has familiarized herself with Lageyre’s character. Ferrelli recognizes her as both an outstanding soccer player and friend.

“She is a great person, on and off the field,” Ferrelli said.

Although she is only a freshman, Lageyre’s college search has already begun. Through showcase events she attends, she is able to communicate with college scouts, most of which are highly interested in Lageryre’s future.

“Many colleges will watch my team’s games and recruit players,” she said. “Because of this, I have to constantly keep in touch with college coaches, go on college visits and conduct research on various colleges to attempt to narrow down my options and eventually commit to one.”

“Lageyre has accomplished so much in just 14 years,” Ferrelli said. “She is definitely going to go far in life.”

As for her future, Lageyre plans to pursue a career as a professional soccer player. Though ambitious, her objectives are not unrealistic for someone of her talent.

“My goals for the future are to one day be on the U.S. national team that all of my idols play on,” Lageyre said. “Along the way, I aspire to play professional soccer after college, either in the U.S National Women’s Soccer League or overseas.”

Although Lageryre’s achievements may look extraordinary on paper, one can argue that her most impressive aspect is her young age. Lageryre’s undeniable future as a major soccer player is something most cannot attain in a lifetime.

“Lageyre has accomplished so much in just 14 years,” Ferrelli said. “She is definitely going to go far in life.”

Photo by Alexa Jaspan