SPORTS
PROFILE
Words by Nikki Nelsen and Dorian Zavala · Photos by Nikki Nelsen
Double
Trouble
Wood twins dominate OEC
Lauryn and Leyna are responsible for 25 out of
the 30 goals scored for the Dons this season
L
auryn and Leyna Wood
are identical twins. They
do everything together,
including playing soccer.
When they were 11 years old,
they signed up for the same
soccer team. The two soon
realized they had the talent to go
along with their passion for the
beautiful game.
“I remember one day we came
home from school and told our
mom we wanted to play soccer;
she was so happy that the first
thing she did was sign us up
for the American Youth Soccer
Organization. Ever since then, I
haven’t lost the love and passion
I have for the game,” Leyna said.
Both were excellent high school
players, and when the time came
to select a college, they wanted
to stay together and play for the
same team. But things didn’t
work out.
When the rejection letter came
from Oregon State, they were
devastated.
Unsure of what they should
do next, their high school coach
Terryn Soelberg, who is an
assistant coach at Santa Ana,
10
el Don Santa Ana College · December 2018
convinced the twins that playing
for a community college would
improve their chances for a
scholarship.
“When Oregon State didn’t
work out for us, Soelberg said,
‘come to SAC, and we’ll get you
to a better school,’” Lauryn said.
The Wood sisters soon took
the pitch for the Dons, with
each earning a spot on the OEC
All-Conference First team. Things
worked out.
Trying new techniques and
playing different positions,
Leyna’s talent began to shine,
finishing the season with 12
goals, and nine coming in
conference play — including four
game-winning goals.
“I came in thinking I was going
to play one position, but they
had me all over the field, and
I didn’t expect that, and I got
more interested in playing other
positions,” said Leyna. “Next
season, I’m hoping that they put
me all over the field again so
that I can get more technical and
stronger.”
Lauryn had suffered a knee
injury while competing at
University High School, and it
held her back from reaching her
full athletic potential this season.
“I have been playing the whole
year injured, and I didn’t feel
confident,” Lauryn said, “I want to
have a stronger second season
and be more assured going
into tackles, and go into games
knowing that my knee won’t give
out”.
Despite her knee troubles,
Lauryn was a valuable asset for
SAC scoring seven goals during
conference play, along with one
game-winning goal and four
assists in the OEC.
Although they are in sync on
the soccer field, the identical
twins have their differences, from
their academic majors to their
sense of humor and even the way
they interact with their friends.
Leyna, quiet and reserved, is
interested in biochemistry and is
thinking about medical school.
While Lauryn who is outgoing
and open wants to become a
personal trainer.
Both say that their freshman
year at SAC has brought them
closer to reaching their goal.
I remember one day we
came home from school
and told our mom we
wanted to play soccer...
Ever since then, I haven’t
lost the love and passion I
have for the game,
DONS STRIKER
LEYNA WOOD