For JSerra Catholic High School soccer star Izzy D’Aquila, juggling is nothing new...

D’Aquila isn’t just a star, she’s a phenom. Her list of accolades is a résumé itself. A current member of the women’s Under-17 World Cup team, the senior Captain was also last year’s Gatorade National Player of the Year.

It’s a lot of pressure to be such a high-profile star at such a young age, but she handles it with a laser-like focus.

“I would say that my competitiveness really sets me apart. I want to be number one and I want my team to be number one. So I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” says D’Aquila.

That competitive edge also follows her into the classroom. She’s committed to play at Santa Clara next year, and her 4.1 GPA is just as impressive. While she’s certainly a gifted athlete - her work ethic is what has separated her all her life. Scoring goals and getting straight A’s go hand-in-hand.

“If I come home with a ‘B’ I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is horrible.’ I’ve just always put it upon myself,” says D’Aquila.

“She’s studying on the road, she’s studying in foreign countries, she’s taking tests with people who are not her teachers. And she’s still maintaining that GPA, so that tells you how hard she works,” says her coach Greg Baker.

As her last high school season kicks off, she finds herself in a familiar place - her team ranked number one in the nation and the responsibility on her to help JSerra to another CIF title. But like all great athletes, she has the ability to block out the outside noise. And like all great leaders, she leads by example.

“It’s good to know that I’m not just a good soccer player. It’s being a good friend and teammate. If you have that respect with them that you’re going to give your hundred percent, they’re going to follow and give you their hundred percent,” says D’Aquila.

And as she continues to juggle all those expectations, remember that name Izzy D’Aquila... because you get the feeling it won’t be the last time you hear it.