NSU University School’s Raul Leyva is the Broward 4A-2A Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Raul Leyva had already played in a state championship by the end of his freshman season at NSU University. Now he’s also a player of the year before the end of his sophomore year.

Leyva is the Miami Herald’s Broward County Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year for Classes 4A-2A and he’s not satisfied with his already-bursting resume.

“Get back up to state and finish the job with a ring,” Leyva said when asked what’s next for him in his career and then he went even further. “Hopefully, get back to back.”

Given the way Leyva’s high school boys’ soccer career has started, the goal isn’t so outlandish.

As a freshman, Leyva scored 20 goals and handed out 16 assists to help the Sharks reach the Class 3A championship. As a sophomore, Leyva was even better as the focal point of NSU University’s offense, scoring 25 goals and adding 17 assists, although the ending wasn’t satisfying with the top-seeded Sharks getting upset in the Region 4-3A semifinals.

The early exit, following the taste he got of the big stage in 2023, has Leyva yearning for -- and expecting -- more.

“We fell short, losing in the regional semifinal to a really good team that outplayed us,” the sophomore said. “I think next year we should have a state championship and we should be good next year. I still have two more tries.”

For Leyva, soccer is about more than just the accolades, though. The sport is also his escape and his mentality keeps him grounded.

With all Leyva and the Sharks expect of themselves in the next few years, Leyva’s attitude will help.

“It’s a place where I can get out of the reality of the world, somewhere I can go and just forget about everything,” the forward said. “I can just express myself.”