The Haddam-Killingworth girls’ soccer team enjoyed banner seasons the last two years and already has a pair of victories to its credit in the 2021 campaign. One of the biggest contributors to H-K’s recent success is junior Leah Chester, who’s playing outside midfielder for the Cougars.

Leah had played defender in every game of her career prior to her junior season. This year, Leah transitioned to the midfield because of her strong foot skills, and she’s proving a force on the Cougars’ attack. In addition to playing for H-K, Leah hones her skills by competing on the Premier Soccer circuit.

“I’m currently playing outside mid after playing defense my whole life,” says Leah. “I started playing soccer when I was about five years old, because my parents signed me up. By the time I was old enough to know that I loved soccer, I asked my parents to let me sign up for Premier Soccer with Sporting CT. I started in 8th grade with that team and have continued with Sporting to this point.”

Leah feels that hitting the field on a year-round basis is one of the major reasons behind her growth as a soccer player. Leah, who has also played for an H-K travel team, is currently serving as a captain for her Sporting CT squad and hopes to lead the Cougars in that role as a senior.

“It has allowed me to grow as a person and a player through all the ups and downs of coaches and new teams,” Leah says of playing soccer year-round. “Last year, I was given the opportunity to be captain of my Sporting team. I would have never been given the opportunity I was given with Sporting without the H-K travel team I grew up playing with. Through many years of H-K travel, I made the best friendships I’ve ever had and continue to have to this day as many of us still play together.”

H-K Head Coach Mike Shea credits Leah for working hard to become an integral part of his program. Shea feels that he made a wise decision when he had Leah transition into the midfield this season.

“Leah is in her third year with the varsity team at H-K and always gives 100 percent. She gives her all and is the ultimate worker on the field,” says Shea. “Leah works tirelessly in the midfield. She is a tough, strong player on the ball, a very versatile player, and I can count on her whether she is playing the wing as a central midfielder or even as a defender. Leah possesses great confidence on the ball and is extremely explosive taking players on in the final third to get to goal or create opportunities for others.”

Leah and the Cougars have experienced plenty of success during her tenure with the team. Leah helped H-K capture back-to-back Shoreline Conference championships in both her freshman and sophomore years.

“My favorite moment as a player was winning the Shoreline title as a freshman and a sophomore,” Leah says. “Watching everyone grow together as a team was such a good feeling and especially welcoming as an underclassman.”

Leah and Coach Shea both joined the H-K program in the 2019 season. Leah says that Shea is a mentor to her both on and off the soccer pitch.

“We both came to H-K in 2019 and have been able to have many amazing wins and hard losses together,” says Leah. “I will forever appreciate the opportunity he gave me to play varsity as a freshman. It was a huge boost of confidence that I will never forget.”

Aside from playing soccer, Leah is also a member of the H-K girls’ indoor and outdoor track teams. Leah competes in the 200, the 4x400 relay, and the high jump for the Cougars. She also sings in the select women’s choir at H-K and has earned high honors throughout her time at the high school.

“I’ve stayed on the high honor roll all of high school so far, while playing multiple sports,” Leah says. “Last year, I was given the Scholar Athlete Award at H-K, which was a huge honor.”

The Cougars are off to a 2-2 start to the 2021 fall season. Leah believes that H-K has what it takes to have another great campaign and attain the Shoreline Conference three-peat this year.

“After our first few games, it’s clear that this is one of the most hard-working group of girls I have ever played with,” says Leah. “I think that if we keep it up, we will be able to not only win a third Shoreline title, but grow as a whole team and family.”