Aleya Hedinger '26 Recruiting Profile

For as long as I can remember, being a physical defender in soccer has been a big part of my life.  I remember at 4 years old my very first coach telling me, "Ok.  I want you to attack and take the ball from anyone who crosses that line."  Ever since that moment I was hooked.  From what seemed like endless drills in my backyard with my dad, to now private coaches who played in college and professionally, I still continue to learn and develop this craft of soccer.  I play year-round from high school, to indoor winter league, to club soccer.  Soccer if life!  Still each year the competition takes a step up and gets tougher.  They get faster.  They become more agile.  They become a formidable opponent, but all I can ever think about is being better than the person across from me.   It is what drives me every day.  Of course, the wins, the losses, and the ultimate goal of a championship is why I work so hard.  However, knowing I left everything out on the pitch is a reward in its own.  This is the work ethic I bring with me.  It is engrained in me.  

Not only being the best I can be, but encouraging and helping my teammates reach their goals is important to me as well.  Setting the example on and off the pitch is something I pride myself in.  I am a positive leader who remains encouraging to my teammates even in tough times.  I am a selfless leader who realizes that my teammates development is just as important as my own.  Team chemistry sets the foundation.  It takes all of us to take home a win.  

When it comes to where I want to go to school, I am easy to please.  My initial thoughts are I want to attend somewhere that I can study business and play with some of the best, but I am not unaware that this may change.  I want to go to a school that not only utilizes my ability on the pitch but sets me up educationally for a successful future.  I would love for that school to be yours!