Savannah Leifried reached a major milestone in her soccer career last month.
The Ceres High School sophomore earned an invitation to the United States Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team’s September Training Camp.
Ross Leifried, Savannah’s father, received a notification email three weeks before the announcement was made public.
Mother Lacey shared the news with her.
“My mom came to my school to tell me and I started balling,” Savannah said. “I didn’t think she was telling the truth. We were hugging each other outside of Ceres High. We were both crying.”
Approximately 24 of the best American female soccer players with 2008 birth years attended the camp, which was staged Sept. 22-28 in Fayetteville, Ga.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Leifried, a standout defender. “I think it was God’s gift to me. I’ve worked hard for this.”
Leifried followed in the footsteps of cousins Cade and Chance Cowell, who both were called up to United States Men’s National Soccer Team September training camps.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Savannah said. “We come from an athletic family. We’ve always trained since we were little. They’re like my older brothers. It’s amazing we get to have our own experiences.”
Cade was added to the Senior United States’ Team Training Camp roster on Sept. 5. He contributed at forward as the Americans tied New Zealand 1-1 on Sept. 10 in Cincinnati and lost 2-1 to Canada on Sept. 7 in Kansas City during international-friendly play.
Chance joined the United States’ U-17 Team for the upcoming Jezek Cup in the Czech Republic. The Americans faced Germany on Sept. 4, the Czech Republic on Sept. 6, and Slovakia on Sept. 8. He collected two assists while contributing at right winger as U.S. compiled a 1-1-1 record.
“I’m so proud of her (Savannah),” Chance said. “Nobody knows how hard she has worked for this opportunity and it’s only up from here. I think she’ll do great.”
Leifried held her own while participating in training sessions and scrimmages at the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team Camp.
“It was a great experience,” Leifried said. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I wanted to see what kind of talent was there. I felt pretty good with how I did. I got to play the whole game the last scrimmage against the boys. It was fun and challenging. I’m waiting to hear feedback from the coach. I want to go back. The next camp is in January.”
Leifried’s soccer journey began at the age of 3 when her grandfather Ed introduced her to the sport.
She played in the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization’s recreational league for two seasons prior to joining the competitive ranks at the age of 6.
Leifried has developed into one of the top club players in the state.
She currently plays for Bay Area Surf. She joined the club after the San Jose Earthquakes Girls Academy closed in 2020.
Leifried earned ECNL U-16 Northern California Conference Second-Team honors during the 2023-24 season.
She was selected to the U-15 Northern California Conference Second Team in 2022-23.
Leifried made history by becoming the youngest player to sign with the Academica Women’s Soccer Club at the age of 14 in 2023. She completed her second season with the Turlock-based semi-professional team in June.
Academica’s roster featured 39 players with Leifried being the youngest.
She has started every game during her two-year stint with the club.
“I really enjoy competing,” Leifried said. “I love playing games. Training is fun, too.”
A 4.0 student, Leifried will become the first person from her family to attend a four-year university.
Her play at the club level will most likely lead to scholarship offers from NCAA Division-I women’s soccer programs.
College coaches will be able to contact her junior year.
Leifried will continue to chase her dream of playing soccer at the highest levels.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the National Team,” she said.
