LEESBURG, Fla. — Senior Olivia Daugherty is rewriting the script for First Academy-Leesburg soccer, proving that skill, grit, and determination know no gender boundaries.

Daugherty, the lone female player on the FA-Leesburg boys’ varsity soccer team, scored her first goal of the season in a 3-1 victory over Seven Rivers Christian last week. Her terrific play along with her teammates has helped propel First Academy-Leesburg soccer to a 5-0-1 record—and one of the best starts in program history.

(Despite normally being the only female on the field, Olivia holds her own on the pitch.)

“Playing soccer on an all-boys team has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life,” Daugherty says. “Over the past four years, I’ve learned to push through tough situations, and even a broken nose didn’t stop me. Every challenge has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient woman.”

Daugherty’s determination is emblematic of her team’s meteoric rise this season. Known for her versatility and tenacity, she has become an integral part of a lineup that has consistently outpaced its opponents thus far. Since FA-Leesburg is a smaller program, fielding an all girls varsity team is currently not an option at the moment. So, for the past few years Daugherty has played on the boys squad. While she is not the first to do this as a few female players have done this in the past, it always makes for a unique situation.

(Olivia is never afraid to back down from a challenge. Here she is winning a header.)

Head coach Scott Van Dyken has lauded Daugherty’s contributions, both as a player and a teammate. “Olivia brings a unique energy and perspective to this team. She doesn’t just play; she competes. Olivia has an upbeat personality, brings so much positivity to the program and holds her own.” says coach Van Dyken.

For Daugherty, her journey is about more than just wins and goals. “I love this game, but even more, I love how it’s helped me grow alongside my teammates,” she said. “It’s not just about being a girl on the field, it’s about being a player who shows up, works hard, and grows through every moment.”

With Daugherty leading by example, First Academy-Leesburg is eyeing a landmark season. They’ve been very impressive so far. Senior Adam Olivera leads the team in goals so far with seven while fellow forward sophomore Noah Mauriell putting in five goals so far. Meanwhile Hayden Godwin has been fantastic in net. The senior Goalie has played 400 minutes and only allowed 4 goals while making 30 saves.

We wish the FA-Leesburg Eagles the best of luck on their continued success.