Amara Leppla, a senior midfielder from Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin, has been crowned the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year, a testament to a breakout season that captured the attention of local and national soccer circles.
A High School Career Marked by Excellence
During her final high school campaign, Leppla netted 39 goals and added eight assists, steering her team to a 16‑3 record and a berth in the Wisconsin Division I Sectional Final. She also scored four goals in a 6‑0 WIAA Regional Final victory over Oshkosh West, a performance that underscored her scoring prowess.
The milestone did not stop at raw numbers; Leppla set a new single‑season goal record at Arrowhead, a benchmark that had stood for years. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted her dominance by naming her the top area player among senior athletes.
Now headed to Eastern Illinois University, Leppla will join the Panthers’ women’s soccer program in late July. The transition from high school standout to collegiate competitor is already generating buzz as the team prepares for its first exhibition match.
The Panthers’ opening exhibition is slated for August 5 against Southern Illinois, offering Leppla her first chance to showcase her skills on the collegiate stage. The regular season kicks off at home against Valparaiso on August 13, marking the start of what many expect to be a dynamic freshman campaign.
With her blend of scoring instinct and playmaking ability, Leppla is poised to make an immediate impact for Eastern Illinois as she embarks on her collegiate journey.