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Karina LeBlanc is a retired female football player from Canada. She was born on March 30, 1980, in Dominica. She grew up in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, with her parents and five siblings. LeBlanc holds Canadian nationality and was raised in a Christian home.
Early Life and Education
LeBlanc had a passion for sports since her childhood days, and at a young age, she started playing soccer with her brothers. However, she didn’t take soccer seriously until high school when she made it to the provincial team. LeBlanc attended Maple Ridge Secondary School and graduated in 1998.
Career
After high school, LeBlanc decided to pursue soccer professionally. In 1998, she joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she played for the Huskers. Her notable achievement in college soccer was becoming an All-American Goalkeeper in 2001.
LeBlanc started her professional career in 2001 when the Boston Breakers drafted her. She played for the team until 2003 before joining the New Jersey Wildcats. In 2004, she moved to Canada and played for Vancouver Whitecaps for eight years. She also played for other teams like the Chicago Red Stars and the Portland Thorns before retiring in 2015.
LeBlanc is known for her impressive goalkeeping skills, having made remarkable saves throughout her career. She holds the record for the most shutouts in Canadian soccer history. Besides her on-field records, LeBlanc was also a philanthropist and worked with numerous organizations to empower and inspire young girls.
Endorsements and Lifestyle
LeBlanc has been an advocate for healthy living and has endorsed brands like Nike and Danone. She is also a motivational speaker and has spoken at various conferences and events. LeBlanc is happily married and has a son named Caden. She has a degree in Sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
LeBlanc’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million in US dollars, CAD 1.3 million in Canadian dollars, KES 109 million in Kenya shillings, ZAR 15 million in South African rand, UGX 3.7 billion in Ugandan shillings, GHS 6 million in Ghana cedi, and INR 74 million in Indian rupee.
Awards and Nominations
LeBlanc was nominated for the Canadian Female Player of the Year award four times. She was also honored with the George Gross/Toronto Sun Sportsperson of the Year award in 2012 and the Order of British Columbia in 2019 for her contribution to soccer and their community.
In conclusion, Karina LeBlanc is an impactful and inspiring figure in the world of soccer. She has used her platform to empower young girls and advocate for healthy living. LeBlanc’s exceptional skills and achievements in soccer have left an indelible mark in the sport’s history.