Being a leader is an understatement for junior and football linebacker and running back Leonardo Correani, who was recently chosen as one of the best high school linebackers in Oregon. Since he began his football career at Lincoln, Correani has recorded 92 tackles, 232 yards travelled and three touchdowns. 

“[Football] feels like home,” said Correani. “I think it’s really just working hard, you know, just keeping that motivation.” 

Correani emphasizes motivation and hard work as some of the keys to his accomplishments and success. 

“You get really disciplined when playing football,” said Correani. “[The coaches] don’t want to just teach us how to be better football players, they want to teach us to be better people.” 

Correani explains how his accomplishments set new standards for him to try and achieve. 

“That’s the new floor,” said Correani. “What we did, what I did, what anyone does, that’s the new floor. So now you just go up from that.”

Communication is a big part of Correani’s ideals. 

“I think [communication] is everything, to be honest. Especially on Friday night … everyone has to be on the same page,” he said.

Correani’s skills as a leader, as well as being team captain, are exemplified by his ability to communicate with his team. 

“[Communication] is a huge part of the whole of football that’s kind of undervalued,” he says, “think about how much communication goes into them knowing what to do and what you are telling them to do.”

In addition to being on the field, Correani elaborates on other benefits of football. 

“Meeting new people, meeting coaches, you know, it really also helps you advocate for yourself,” said Correani. “You got to be hustling, you got to keep working.”

Correani enjoys self-improvement and focuses on being in the present.  

“You got to focus on the now, and then things will come,” he said. “Good things will come.”