The
5 STUDENT ATHLETES OF INTEREST
MIDFIELDER
BY GREG GARDNER
With the growing popularity
girls to excel in the game.
“She’s a proven veteran and she’s paving
the way for future generations of lacrosse
players,” says Shannon Dean, Vero’s girls lacrosse
has come to our camps and clinics. They are
in awe of her play, whether they are middle
school or junior varsity. They want to be like
Jennifer Leffew.”
Still considering college options, Leffew
will certainly play lacrosse at an excellent
school. She is being wooed by several, including
is long: VBHS Rookie of the Year, Offensive
Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player 2009,
four-time All-District team, and most impressive
“She is the fiercest competitor I have ever
seen,” says Crista Samaras, coach and owner
of the traveling XTEAM. “As a coach, that
kind of player doesn’t come around very often.
She is unmatched. Nothing will get in her
way. She is ruled by her hunger to compete.
The key to her game is being smart. She’s not
flashy, just effective. Jennifer is sweet, quiet,
smart, original and creative.”
Leffew’s grades in dual enrollment and
advanced placement classes attest to her
book smarts. “She is top-notch,” says AP
teacher Charles Olsson. “It’s a college level
course, demanding and we’re trying to
prepare them for college level. Jennifer is
in the top 10 percent. It’s not just my class.
She performs at the highest level in all her
classes. She’s focused, prepared and ready to
be challenged. Her writing and input in class
are always insightful.”
“My parents encouraged me to get good
grades,” says Leffew. “They set the foundation
I wouldn’t have had the motivation to be
someone who wants to get good grades all
the time.”
Before lacrosse, Leffew had another huge
athletic achievement. After just two years of
64
of lacrosse in Indian River
County, Jennifer Leffew’s
play for Vero Beach High
School is encouraging young
coach and school resource officer. “She
Harvard and Stanford. Leffew’s resumé
— U.S. Lacrosse two-time All-American.
to strive for good grades. Without them
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ROSCOE BELL
Treasure Coast Education