Once A Spur | Lucia Leon

In each matchday programme, to celebrate our 40th anniversary, we speak to a former Spurs player to look back at their career and get their thoughts on the current side in our seventh season in the WSL.

Next up is defender Lucia Leon as she discusses her journey from a youth player to becoming a WSL star and now representing her nation on the international stage…

What were your first memories when you joined the Club in 2013 as a youth player?

Lucia: “I was a little bit scared because I didn’t speak any English, but I was really excited at the same time! I remember everyone treating me very well, they were all so nice to me, it felt like I had about 20 aunties. They always made sure I got to the train station safely or picked me up from the station, because we finished training late and I lived in south London, so it was a long journey. We had such a good team and it was always great vibes! We actually went on to do great things in the following years, and it was probably one of the best and most fun experiences I’ve had.”

From when you first joined, did you ever imagine how much progression you would see in such a short space of time, eventually becoming professional?

Lucia: “For the first few years, we were basically still an amateur team but, quickly after that, once we got promoted to the Championship and then only two seasons later into the WSL, the changes started to happen very fast. The Club really started to take the Women’s team seriously by giving us space at the training ground, our own facilities, gym, food, etc. It was very nice to see, and the fact that some players from that time are still there today, like Ashleigh [Neville] and Jess [Naz], makes me happy because they’ll value even more what they have now. I love seeing them play and smash it every weekend.”

We have fond memories of today’s opponent in WSL 2… talk to us about that game and what it meant to achieve that massive feat?

Lucia: “Oh wow, yeah, that game was crazy! What a beautiful memory. I remember going into that game super confident that we were going to get the job done. We came from a very strong season and had a very strong squad. I remember Ash practically saving a goal on the line with her head just before the referee blew the final whistle, and then everyone just went on to the floor to celebrate the promotion. After that, it’s all good memories and celebrations - it was a very special time for the squad.”

How did it feel to then become a WSL player and compete at the highest level back then?

Lucia: “It was a very tough and maturing experience. I was still young and inexperienced at that level, and I was so lucky to train and play with the best in the world. I learned so many things from them, especially how to be mentally strong and competitive. Now I use everything I learned back then in my day-to-day to help the young players coming through in whatever team I’m in.”

Favourite memory while wearing the Lilywhite shirt?

Lucia: “I have so many! I would say both promotions to WSL 2 and then to WSL are up there as some of my favourite moments of my career. But my favourite memories will always be the people I met - all the girls and coaches who helped me as a player and as a person. We spent a lot of time together, and many of them are still my best friends or close friends today.”

Following your departure, what have you been up to?

Lucia: “I went to play in La Liga F for a couple of seasons with Real Betis, then I came back to the WSL 2 with Watford for a season before moving to the A-League in Australia. Now I’m playing for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.”

You now represent the Dominican Republic on the international stage and have captained the nation - how special is that?

Lucia: “It’s one of the moments I’m most proud of in my career, to be honest. I love representing the Dominican Republic, it’s a country I identify with a lot. I’m super honoured to be captain and to help the younger generations of our country and help the sport grow.”

Have you managed to keep up to date with the Club since then and stay in contact with former players?

Lucia: “Yeah, of course! I watch them every time I can, even though the time difference can be challenging! I love seeing the girls play and win. I’m super happy to see Kit [Graham] back, she is one of the best players I’ve ever played with, and I hope she gets her moment again and smashes it long-term. I also love seeing Jess and Ash having their names on that XI every week. I think Ash is just coming back from injury, so I’m happy to see her return. I will always support Spurs Women and would love for them to continue doing great things! They progress every year, and this is probably the year I’m enjoying watching them the most.”