When sitting down with the soft spoken leader of the women Spartan’s soccer team, it can be easy to forget her commanding presence on the soccer field. Leah Levey, a graduating senior and a co-captain for the Spartans, will be remembered as one of Case Western’s greatest female soccer players.

Stepping into the role of a senior leader came naturally for Levey. She was captain of both her high school and club teams prior to arriving at CWRU. “It was kind of natural,” Levey said, “If I could work hard I could lead them to do the same. I lead by example.”

With so many close games, and finishing a game under .500, the Spartans relied on Levey’s leadership. There is always room for improvement, and while it was disappointing at times, the Spartans followed Levey’s example, fighting until the final whistle blow. Levey pointed to the first game of the year as a good marker for what the team was capable of. The game was against Transylvania and the Spartans were down by two goals, just a minute into the second half. The team didn’t give up and rallied to score three goals to come back and win. Levey scored the second of those three goals, helping revive the team’s spirit. “So many games were so close. I was proud that we could compete,” Levey said.

In addition to leading the Spartans to a 8-9-2 record this season, Levey has been honored to be named to the Capital One Academic All-District VII Women’s Soccer First Team. By being named to the team Levey is also now on the ballot for being named to a Capital One Academic All-America Division III Team. Levey’s older sister Deena, who graduated last year, was also named to the team last fall. The Capital One Academic program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. To be eligible for Academic All American consideration, an athlete must be a varsity starter and have a GPA above 3.30. Levey is the 79th Case Western athlete named Academic All-American.

Looking back over her decorated career, Levey had trouble finding many games that really stood out. Her strong play and dedication over the past four years all came together in one great career. However, looking back to her freshman year, Levey recalled her first UAA conference game, played against Brandeis. “It showed me I could compete at this level.” Levey said.

She has done just that, scoring six goals with two assists this season alone. Over her career at CWRU, she is tied for fifth in program history with 17 goals. Leah is a three-time All-University Athletic Association honoree, a 2011 NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region selection, and a two-time OCSA Academic All-Ohio and All-Ohio pick. This past summer, she represented Team USA in the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel. “It went by really fast,” Levey said, “It was an incredible experience and I am best friends with my teammates.”

Now that her playing career at Case has come to an end, Levey is focused on graduating with a degree in nutrition and going on to graduate school. She plans on becoming a registered nutritionist. However, Levey knows that she won’t be leaving the soccer field behind forever. “I will look for a club or something in grad school where I can play,“ Levey said, “And I can see myself coaching someday. I couldn’t walk away forever.”