By Elizabeth Contreras

For a soccer player who covers as much ground as she does, it makes sense that Lenli Kuchynka’s growth comes in layers.

Now a sophomore, Kuchynka operates primarily as a wingback and a midfielder, two roles that demand awareness, discipline, and timing. As she has matured, her understanding of the game has shifted from simply playing hard to playing smart. She has learned how to read spacing, when to step into the attack, and when to recover defensively.

“My soccer journey began when my parents put me in soccer when I was 4,” Kuchynka said.

With plenty of experience under her belt, her confidence shines most in one-on-one moments. If the match hangs in the balance, Kuchynka said she trusts herself to take defenders on and push toward the goal. It is an area where she’s seen considerable improvement as she has become more decisive and self-assured in attacking situations. What once required hesitation now feels natural.

Beyond individual performance, her focus remains team centered.

“I try to align my personal goals with things that will also benefit the team,” she said.

She has come to understand that while individual talent matters, true success is built on unity, finding common ground and moving forward together, even when differences between players exist. Kuchynka measures success by how well she connects with her teammates and whether she is elevating the group around her. Personal goals only matter if they serve the team, and leadership means accountability and maintaining a standard that others can rely on.

“I focus on doing my job and doing my part to help the team be successful,” she added.

For Kuchynka, accountability is constant. Whether in the classroom or on the field, she believes in holding herself to a high standard of discipline and consistency. Mistakes are addressed, not excused. Effort is expected, not negotiated. She has evolved into a player who values preparation, composure, and responsibility just as much as skill.

While only a sophomore, her game already shows the awareness of someone who knows that growth never really stops. The field is big. Her expectations are bigger. And she is more than willing to run both ways.