Long Reach junior midfielder Leilani Stewart was in fourth grade and 9 years old the first time she played with senior Samantha Legge. Stewart showed up to club practice in a wool coat and socks with little fringes coming out the back.
Despite the unique fashion choice, which remains a running joke to this day, Stewart immediately caught Legge’s eye with her speed, motor and enthusiasm. That connection which began eight years ago, is still blossoming today as the dominant one-two punch led Long Reach to a 3-0 win over Centennial on Wednesday evening.
Their connectivity and chemistry on the field are driving forces in Long Reach’s evolution from a perennially struggling program to one of the county’s best. Three years ago, the Lightning finished 4-6-1, shutout in all but three of their county games.
The following year, Stewart’s freshman season and Legge’s first at Long Reach after transferring from Howard, the Lightning won 11 games starting their progression.
“It feels like a Cinderella story in some ways, like something out of the movies,” Long Reach coach Stephanie De Wit said as her team moved to 4-1. “I’m just proud that I get to be a part of the team and kind of help guide them and let them be amazing on the field.”
Throughout their eight years together, Stewart and Legge have prided themselves on hard work and extra time practicing together. They also keep a consistent dialogue during games.
Sometimes they’ll discuss strategy during the school day or text one another. Those conversations and years of experience alongside one another provide a sense of comfort in knowing where the other one will be on the field at seemingly all times.
“In our mind, we kind of know what we’re going to do because we’ve adapted to each other’s playing styles a lot over the years,” Stewart said. “I think that’s really helped and contributed to all of it.”
Both players were involved in every Lightning goal Wednesday night. Fittingly, Stewart and Legge have identical stats through five games — 10 goals and eight assists each.
Yet, each are quick to acknowledge they wouldn’t be in the position to enjoy consistent success without the help of their teammates.
“I think no matter how strong our connection is on the field, our teammates only enhance that,” Legge said. “Our teammates, they’ve learned to be in the right spot at the right time. They’re always talking, and they pass the ball well. I think that only makes us look better, but it’s truly a team effort. We’ve grown as a team throughout the years, and we’ve played with the same group of people. Our connection has just gotten stronger.”
While this is their final high school season together, Stewart and Legge are both taking their talents to the Coastal Athletic Association. Stewart is committed to Drexel University, while Legge is headed to William & Mary.
Before they become rivals, they’re soaking in every moment together and taking pride in the program’s collective development in recent seasons. For goalie Hollow Jay, the longest tenured member of the team, their overall growth is directly tied into the team’s tight-knit bond and trust in one another.
Long Reach’s closeness was displayed shortly after the final whistle when Jay arrived at the bench after notching a third consecutive shutout. The Lightning formed a circle around her and excitedly serenated the veteran goalie with “Happy Birthday”.
On her birthday, Jay delivered timely saves and alertly stepped up to the challenge whenever her team needed it.
“It was a lot of fun,” Jay said. “I’m very thankful for the amount of people that I’ve met and the amount of people I’ve been able to work with, especially when I first started playing goalie as a freshman. Coming from being on field to going into goal and having so many people support and just help even from the sideline and from the stands.”
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