Genetics and a passion for success drive Leslie Hill when ever she touches the soccer pitch.

Hill, whose father, Tony Hill, played wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys from 1977 to 1987, has brought a mentality of going all out in her final season, and it has paid off thus far.

“It’s my senior year, so I want to help the team as best I can since it’s the last time I can do it,” Hill said.

The Plano, Texas native has started her senior year on fire, scoring three goals and recording three assists, good for a team-leading nine points. Compare those numbers to last year’s final statistics, and Hill is only two points shy of equaling junior Elise Reid’s team-leading 11 points.

Hill has a lot to live up to in order to equal her dad’s feat of playing at the highest level of competition in their respective sports. Tony simply watches her do what she does best on the field.

“I think the only thing I can provide is just asking her to give her best effort,” Tony said. “Leslie’s got a bunch of ability, and the last thing you want to do is leave anything on the field.”

Leslie’s father and mother, Millie, were both on hand to watch their daughter score a goal in the Cyclones’ 2-1 victory against Drake in last Friday’s home opener.

“It’s a great feeling every time we get to watch Leslie play, especially when she scores,” Tony said. “She really has been doing good and we enjoy it.”

Leslie and her father are not the only athletes in the Hill family.

Both her sister Kelli and brother Anthony were collegiate athletes. Kelli played basketball at Southwestern University and Anthony currently plays basketball for Colgate University.

“I have five stellar athletes. Leslie has two sisters and a brother, so it’s been great and a lot of fun,” Millie said. “Going to all the games and supporting the kids has been great.”

Leslie’s competitive attitude has given Iowa State a spark on the field.

“Leslie’s incredibly athletic and a competitor,” said coach Wendy Dillinger. “She knows it’s her last year, and I think she realizes that this is her last chance to really achieve her potential and make an impact.”

She may be leading the team in points, but Leslie takes pride in being a team player and playing for her coaching staff.

“Wendy’s changed our mentality and is making us work harder for the team,” Dillinger said. “I figure if you’re going to be on the field, give it 110 percent. If I’m going to play offensively, I might as well help somebody get a goal or get one myself.”

Leslie has become a leader on the field during games and practice. Dillinger realizes the importance of Leslie’s early drive to lead the team.

“I think [Leslie] realizes her contribution is very important to our success,” Dillinger said. “She knows that she’s going to have to produce if we’re going to win games.”

Soccer is not the only activity Leslie has excelled in. The senior advertising student’s performance inside the classroom has garnered her awards as an ISU Scholar Athlete in fall of 2005, and she was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll last fall.

“We’ve been fortunate and really blessed with Leslie and the rest of our kids,” Tony said. “They excel on and off the field, obviously in school, but also in their communities as well. Leslie has always been great about volunteering her time to help others. They’ve got really big hearts, and I think that’s one of the things that I really feel blessed about.”

Players on the team echo Tony, especially senior Erin Curry, Leslie’s roommate.

“[Leslie’s] attitude and not settling for just winning is what sets her apart from people. Her leadership on and off the field is great,” Curry said.

Even though Leslie is not a team captain, Curry said she is a leader.

“Leslie’s just a good person. She’s funny and a big part of this team,” Curry said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, she treats everyone the same and wants to help them as much as possible, whether it be hanging out or helping on the field, she just wants to be everyone’s friend.”