Ever wonder what it takes to go from a child playing backyard soccer to scoring on the international stage? In this revealing conversation, professional soccer player Leah Rapuano takes us through her remarkable journey that began at just three years old when her father, a former pro player in Italy, started teaching her headers in their living room.
Leah's raw honesty shines as she shares the devastating choice she made at 17 to decline Division I scholarship offers from powerhouse programs like Oregon, Michigan, and Auburn for a relationship she now calls "stupid." The conversation takes an unexpectedly emotional turn when she reveals how soccer became her sanctuary during tumultuous teenage years—living independently from 14 while her parents divorced, and later facing inappropriate sexual advances from a high school coach who was nearly twice her age.
What makes this story extraordinary isn't just the obstacles Leah overcame, but the triumphant moment when she finally achieved her childhood dream, scoring in her very first international match with the USVI Women's National Team. The pride in her voice is palpable as she recalls her father's note: "You're the first Rapuano in history to score on the national stage."
Beyond her personal accomplishments, Leah speaks passionately about advocating for equal pay in women's soccer and the responsibility female athletes have as role models. Her advice for healing from trauma before entering relationships offers wisdom that transcends sports. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a coach, or someone who appreciates stories of perseverance against the odds, Leah's journey reminds us that sometimes our path to success includes detours we never anticipated.
Listen now to discover how a girl who started with "baby soccer balls" grew into a powerful voice for women athletes everywhere, and learn why knowing your worth both on and off the field is the ultimate game-changer.