Wheaton College Athletics

Val Lelle is a fifth-year senior on the Wheaton women's soccer team. Lelle missed last season due to injury and returned for her senior season. Lelle, a team captain, scored two goals in Wheaton's 4-0 victory over Elmhurst on October 11. Below is a brief interview with Val.

Q: What is your major?
 
A: Spanish/Pre-Physician Assistant
 
Q: What (if any) plans do you have after graduation?
 
A: I am currently applying to PA schools, and if I am admitted to a program, classes will start in May.  After I receive my Master’s certification I hope to live and work somewhere in Central America to serve the underserved through healthcare, a dream that God placed on my heart after doing Honduras Project my freshman year.
 
Q: Why did you choose to play soccer at Wheaton?
 
A: After my high school senior season was over, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop playing.  Soccer was and is one of my biggest passions; I had to continue in college.  My high school team wasn’t great, and I didn’t play for a big club, so I didn’t really have the exposure (or desire) to go D1.  A family friend told me about Wheaton, and when I looked up their program and saw they had won 3 national titles my heart was set.  Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I’d even be good enough to play for Wheaton’s team, but I e-mailed Pete relentlessly to come watch me and tell me himself.  As I was about to commit to another school, I received an e-mail from Pete explaining that he thought I was a great player who could potentially start on Wheaton’s squad.  I was elated.  That was the affirmation from God I had been praying for, and I sent in my commitment letter the next day. J
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about Wheaton?
 
A: Hmm, it’s hard to pick just one thing! Obviously I love soccer, my team, the friends I’ve made over the years, the Christian community (I know everyone says that, but it really is special.), and I’ve had some incredible professors that have greatly impacted my life and walk with Christ.
 
Q: After missing last year with an injury, what was behind your decision to come back for your second senior year?
 
A: I think the biggest driving force was that I thought I would really regret it if I didn’t come back… After college, you don’t get the kind of competition or training or committed teammates that we have right now.  Initially I made my decision primarily to play soccer again, but as time went on it became evident that God had way more in store for me than just my performance on the field.  He has grown and used me as a leader more than I ever would have dreamed, and for that I feel so blessed.  I love my teammates more than words can describe and am so thankful I made the decision to use my last year of eligibility.
 
Q: What is your favorite soccer memory so far in your time at Wheaton?
 
A: Haha, easy: Beating Wash U 4-2 my junior year, when we scored 3 goals in 3 minutes to go to the Final Four.