Leslie Reyes wanted a place where she could grow and improve as a soccer player.

The Spring Creek senior considered her options, but finally, Louisburg College came calling.

Her teammate, Taylor Smith, recommended her the Louisburg coaches, and coaches quickly contacted Reyes, who signed a national letter of intent with the Hurricanes on Friday.

“It is exciting and nervous at the same time,” Reyes said. “Going into a new program, meeting new people, and being a part of a new team is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but I’m excited to take on a new role.”

This season, Reyes scored six goals, but her biggest strength has been her ability to work hard on and off the soccer pitch.

And Spring Creek head coach Jeremy Houser said he could always count on Reyes to do whatever it takes to help the Gators win.

“Leslie is a true leader. She is so composed, and she tries to rally her team at halftime and before games,” Houser said. “She’s very soft-spoken, but she’s got that leadership quality.”

Like a lot of student-athletes, Reyes lost last season to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reyes said it was difficult having her junior season end after three games, especially since the Gators were 3-0 when the season was canceled.

However, Reyes and her teammates persevered, and Reyes had a senior season she will never forget.

“Not having a junior season was a bummer, but you can’t do anything about it,” Reyes said. “It meant a lot to play this season and to be a part of an amazing team.”

Reyes, who plans to major in criminal justice, will be living out a dream by getting to continue her soccer career at Louisburg.

It is probably more of a nightmare for her opponents.