Columbus High School Soccer Player Leah Woods Named ITG Next Georgia Female Athlete of the Month for May 2023
Congratulations to Leah Woods, our May 2023 ITG Next Georgia Female Athlete of the Month, presented by Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance. The sophomore, who plays for the Columbus High School soccer team, was one of four nominees selected for consideration and received the most votes from our readers.
Leah is the starting center back for the Columbus soccer squad, and she anchored Class 3A’s top-rated defense this season. The Blue Devils conceded just 12 goals on their way to a region championship and the state quarterfinals while playing one of the state’s toughest schedules.
Catherine Lovin, the Columbus girls soccer coach, explained the impact Leah made on the team this season.
“Leah has been a huge asset to our team,” Lovin said. “She is a rock as one of our center backs. She is a fierce competitor who is aggressive and plays with intensity. You can count on her to put everything into not letting opponents get past her, or she’ll chase down players on the other team if need be.”
Leah played a big part as a center back, which is one of the top defensive positions in soccer. With her playing a big defensive role, the Lady Blue Devils did not allow a goal in 10 of their 17 games this season. She also contributed 4 goals to help out on the offensive side as well.
Leah grew up in a military family, and she began playing soccer when they moved to Germany. Leah said she was inspired by the 2014 World Cup and quickly fell in love with the game of soccer.
While in Germany, Leah played with a local German club team and was a Europe Region ODP pool player. She gained valuable experience and knowledge of the game, and she stuck with the sport when she and her family moved back to the United States. She played wherever her family moved around to, which included stops in Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Georgia.
Her father, Corey Woods, says the constant moving around actually helped his daughter learn to adapt to new coaches and different philosophies. “[Moving around) required her to try out for new teams and adapt to new coaching styles, and this forced her to never become complacent and push herself to stay competitive,” he said.
Following the successful season that saw Columbus reach the 3A quarterfinals, Leah was selected as a First Team All-Region player, and she was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year.
In addition to her soccer, Leah played for the Columbus flag football team this season, which was her first time playing the sport. She was named the team’s Rookie of the Year. Leah plans to play college soccer, and she wants to major in education in college.
Congratulations again to our ITG Next Georgia Farm Bureau Athlete of the Month, Leah Woods of the Columbus High Lady Blue Devils soccer team!
