By Ken Hansard

          Goddard Eisenhower High senior Leila Kral is a center forward for a Tigers soccer team that has started this season with a 4-1 record. 

          After finishing last season with a disappointing loss to Maize South in the second round of the playoffs, Eisenhower is looking to return to state for the first time since Kral’s sophomore year. “I’m really just trying to enjoy my last time playing soccer, and I’m having fun playing with my friends.  My main goal is to help the team make it back to state.”   

          Kral credits preparation for much of her team’s success this season.  “Our coach helps maintain a good balance of keeping practices fun while also preparing us. Our biggest challenge last year was scoring goals, so this year our coach has focused a lot on shooting drills, which has helped us a lot.”

          Leila has been instrumental in scoring many of those goals, but she is far more interested in making her teammates better.  “Last season I scored 9 goals and had 11 assists, but I am most proud of my assists because I enjoy helping others get goals.”

          While Kral is relishing the journey, she obviously wants to go out a winner. “We have a lot of talent, and we’re figuring out how to put it all together.”

          Kral also played tennis for the Tigers. She and doubles partner Leah Wilkinson were two-time state qualifiers.  The two of them earned their first state medal this past season.  They also as set multiple school records, and Kral was named second team All-Metro.  

          Leila is currently undecided on a college, but she has plans to get a Doctorate Degree in Nursing. “As much as I would like to play either tennis or soccer in college, I think it is best I focus on school and my career.”