As the final whistle blew, senior Ashley DeLeo realized that she had finished her high school career the same way she started it: as a fast and driven leader.
DeLeo’s journey with soccer began when she was only four years old. She found her love and passion for the sport through the weekend clinic her parents signed her up for. This led her to get involved with recreational soccer and to join the Torpedoes travel team in the first grade. This early start with soccer sparked DeLeo’s passion for the sport and quickly led her to excel as an athlete as a young elementary student, and beyond.
When asked if there was anyone who specifically fueled her passion for soccer, DeLeo responded, “My mom played college soccer at Fordham, and I always dreamed of following in her footsteps and playing in college as well.” She went on to describe her favorite players: “I grew up loving the U.S. Women’s National Team. I especially admired Carli Lloyd—not only for her skill, but for her determination and relentless will to win.” With her early start to the sport and strong role models surrounding her, DeLeo knew to never hold back when she stepped on the field.
DeLeo has received countless accolades for her hard work and dedication to soccer including a myriad of league, county, group, and state awards. When asked about her recognition over the years, she said, “I’ve also been recognized by the Girls Academy, the league my club team plays in. I currently play for STA out of Morristown, NJ. Last summer, I was selected for the USLW team Paisley Athletic FC, a pre-professional league for college players based in Kearny, NJ.” DeLeo’s extensive collection of awards could not have been achieved without her talents or persistence.
Aside from her impressive recognition and awards, DeLeo makes sure to be involved in soccer in as many ways as she can. DeLeo recalls, “For the past four years, I have been an active member of the Top Soccer Buddy Program, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. I have also trained young athletes in soccer and basketball, as I love helping them develop at such an early age.” DeLeo’s hard work and determination is clearly displayed throughout everything she does for the sport, whether it’s through her awards, or passing along her talents to children who were once just like her.
When asked about her favorite part of soccer, DeLeo said that she loves being surrounded and playing on a team with a common goal. DeLeo went on, stating, “Soccer has brought me so many lifelong friendships, both here in the Ramapo community and through my club team. To me, there is nothing better than the adrenaline rush I feel on the field. I believe that competitive fire is something I carry into every aspect of my life.” DeLeo’s competitive spirit is certainly something that allows her to stand out as a soccer player. The strong friendships she has made along the way help push her and her teammates to achieve one common goal: victory.
Like many great athletes, DeLeo has unfortunately faced setbacks and injuries in her career that forced her to miss out on games she would have loved to shine in. With a broken wrist at the end of her junior season, DeLeo reflected, “Watching from the sidelines was difficult, and it reminded me how much I love being out there with my teammates.” DeLeo’s admirable eagerness to play and desire to help her team is what allowed her get to the point where she is at in her soccer career today.
Although Ashley’s high school soccer season is over, her soccer career will continue to thrive in college as she will attend William & Mary this upcoming fall. When asked the reason for her commitment, DeLeo said, “I chose William & Mary because it was one of the few places where I wouldn’t have to compromise between elite academics and high-level soccer. From the first moment I stepped on campus, I could see myself there, and the coaching staff along with the culture of the soccer program made it an easy choice.” As team chemistry and sharing a common goal are important to DeLeo, it is clear that the program at William & Mary will be a perfect fit for her as an individual, and more importantly, as a teammate.
DeLeo has a lot to be proud of after everything she’s accomplished throughout her high school career. It is true that she brought a clear sense of light and leadership to the Ramapo Girls Soccer team. Coach Gibbs, who has seen Ashley develop as a player throughout her high school career, said, “Ashley has been the backbone of our program—a tough, relentless competitor whose leadership, strength, and old-school grit have helped define Ramapo soccer for the past four years. Her impact on and off the field has set a standard of excellence that will carry on long after she graduates.” One of Ashley’s teammates and friends for years recalls Ashley as a player: “Ashley is a great teammate and I’ve loved watching her grow as a player and a leader over the years. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Although DeLeo has a lot to look forward to as she takes her talents to William & Mary, she will cherish her remaining moments with the beloved members of the Ramapo Girls Soccer Program for as long as she can.
