Paige Ledesma – Senior – Biology
When did you start playing soccer? How did you get into that?
PL: I started when I was about four years old. My dad played soccer his whole life and he wanted to get his kids to play. I have two older brothers and they both play soccer. My mom told me that I used to always run on the field during their practices and try playing with them. That’s how it all started and then I realized I really liked it so then I decided to keep going.
Throughout your soccer career, who has influenced you the most?
PL: All of my friends who have torn their ACL and then came back have inspired me just because that’s a major surgery and recovery process. The things that it does mentally to you and to be able to come back and be as strong as you were- that is something I look up to.
How did you end up at Washburn?
PL: My roommate my freshman year had committed. We played on the same club team. She told me I should look at Washburn but I was still debating if I wanted to play or not. Then, I came up here and I got to meet all the girls. A lot of people from my hometown have come here to sports or for school, and I just loved it. I loved the class ratio. I loved the biology program, all the professors are so good. That’s kind of what grabbed me.
What has been your most exciting moment in your career at Washburn?
PL: Definitely when we beat Emporia State and Central Oklahoma in the 2019 season.
How did you gain an interest in oncology?
PL: My mom was diagnosed with cancer. That really hit hard. She’s still here but if I wasn’t able to grow up with my mom, that would have changed my entire life. At a young age, I lost my grandma to cancer. Those two events have kind of motivated me to want to figure out more about it and help other people that have to deal with that kind of stuff as well. It’s a lot mentally. It affects the patient but also affects the family members as well. I just want to be an extra person that they can rely on. That’s something I’m very passionate about.
Hidden talents?
PL: I’m left footed but right-handed. A lot of people are dominant with their right foot. That’s probably the most unique thing about me.
Craziest thing on your bucket list?
PL: I would definitely say buy Justin Bieber VIP tickets and go see him, because those are like a million dollars.
Go-to karaoke song?
PL: Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. That is the one!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
PL: My answer is based off of Gossip Girl. I would love to go to Paris and see everything. I just have the Blair Waldorf vision in my head and I just want to be like her.
If you could own any animal as a pet, what would you choose?
PL: Right now, I have a dog named Lulu and she’s a yorkie. That’s a dog I have wanted since I was a little girl. I’ve always wanted a yorkie and I finally got one. Other than that, I would say a baby deer. They’re so cute!
