Villa Proves Value to MU Coaches, Teammates

Marquette men's soccer senior defender Leo Villa has overcome all odds to get where he is today. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, he'll be the first in his family to graduate from college when he walks across the stage at Fiserv Forum to get his diploma.

His long journey through college didn't start at Marquette, however. Despite being named the Green Bay Gazette Player of the Year as a high school senior in 2015 after scoring 11 goals and dishing out 10 assists, he felt overlooked by college teams. He eventually opted to play at Parkside, where he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons.

"I'm very grateful for my experience at Parkside, especially because they were the only school that gave me a chance initially," Villa said. "I got the opportunity to play a ton there while working on my skillset and my academics. I felt prepared to take the next step, which was transferring to a Division I school."

In the spring of 2018, Villa and Parkside played MU in an exhibition. After performing admirably against a BIG EAST opponent, he knew he was ready for the next step. He opted to seek a transfer from Parkside and began reaching out to Division I coaches for opportunities. He spoke with MU head coach Louis Bennett and assistant coach Sean Hughes, who gave him the opportunity to try out and compete for a walk-on spot.

"We had no idea initially what we were getting when Leo joined the program," Bennett said. "We knew he was a hard worker, but he's given so much of himself to this program, and we've loved having him here. He's incredibly dedicated, loyal and giving. Everybody loves Leo."

Although his personality is known to be on the quieter and reserved side, Villa made sure to show the coaching staff and his teammates what he's about as soon as he stepped on campus. After walking-on in the spring of 2018, Villa started on the back line in 15 games last season and eventually earned a scholarship for his hard work.

"Earning a scholarship was a great feeling," Villa said. "The coaches brought me into the office and told me that I'm a great player and they appreciated my dedication to the team. They know I'm an 'all in' type of guy and that I put all my effort into soccer and making the program better."

One of the top moments of his collegiate career came last season in a key road match against then 19^th-ranked Creighton. He scored his first career goal at MU to tie the game late in the second half and send the game into overtime.

Leo Villa (@Leoskieee920) came up big when he headed in his first career goal to tie the game against Creighton in the 80th minute.#WeAreMarquette | #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/A1T18faoJd
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) July 11, 2019

"We had several set piece chances and were so close [to scoring]," he said. "Luka [Prpa] put a great ball into the box and I just went up and headed it in. It was a great feeling, but I was so excited I didn't even know how to celebrate."

The Green Bay native will be celebrating senior night on Saturday as the Golden Eagles host the Seton Hall Pirates at 7:03 p.m. at Valley Fields. One of the most exciting parts for Villa will be that his whole family will be in attendance for the first time in his career. Each of his four older siblings and his parents, Adolfo and Bertha, will be in attendance.

"It means a lot that my family is all coming on Saturday night. I wish they could come to every game, but I understand that with work conflicts and taking care of the family, it can be tough. They watch every game online but to have them there in person is going to be amazing," he said.

As Villa reflects on his past couple years at MU, he can't help but be proud of the person he's become and the growth he's experienced as a person and as a student-athlete.

"I'm much more confident in myself than I used to be," he said. "I'm still a quiet guy, but I'm not as nervous and timid as I used to be, both on and off the field."

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

Players Mentioned

Leo Villa

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