Winning a 2015 National Sports Award for women’s football came as a happy spring break surprise for 16-year-old Leah Smith, who was back home in March.

A second accolade was waiting with her return to her studies at IMG Academy, Florida, where the Pembroke footballer, now in her junior year, was commended as Student Athlete of the Week.

“I didn’t have any idea what was going on,” Leah told The Royal Gazette of the national sports prize, presented to proud parents Phillip and Gina, who were invited to attend the ceremony by the Bermuda Football Association.

With a 4.7 grade point average to juggle with her performance on the pitch, Leah credits IMG with keeping her grounded.

“It’s hard, but by being here over the years I’ve got more used to it,” she said. “School and sports help you to organise.”

IMG is “not the typical high school”. Outside of academics, the sports academy in Bradenton, Florida offers classes in mindfulness, mustering the practical skills to focus and multitask.

While Leah “didn’t plan on going pro”, she will probably continue playing with Bermuda’s national team.

Career-wise, her present leaning is towards a career in the financial field, and university is her next target.

She told the IMG newspaper that her parents’ success had fuelled her own motivation, adding: “They grew up with very little and worked hard for what they achieved.”

In fact, her father’s background on the national team and his excitement for the sport helped propel her into serious football — although the first kick came on the playing fields at Somersfield Academy, where nine-year-old Leah watched her friend Hana Bushara playing football.

Hana suggested that she come out on the field. Somersfield didn’t have enough girl players, so Leah played for her school on the boys’ team.

Leah, who was already fast on her feet through dancing, found something new that she loved.

“I like the idea of team sports, of being able to connect with the team,” she said. “It’s hard to describe, but it makes me happy.”