Marietta’s Leigha Lauer (third from the left) signed Friday outside of Sutton Gymnasium a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Wright State. Also pictured, from left to right, are Blake Lauer (brother), Ryan Lauer (father) and mother (Jennifer Lauer). (Photo by Jordan Holland)

Leigha Lauer’s list of accomplishments at Marietta High School is pretty lengthy.

Most recently, the senior goalkeeper became the first MHS soccer player — girl or boy — to earn first team All-Ohio honors twice.

All her hard work and dedication to the sport has netted her a dream opportunity — playing Division I soccer.

Friday outside of Sutton Gymnasium, Lauer signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her career at Wright State University. The Raiders, coached by Travis Sobers, are an NCAA D1 program and a member of the Horizon League.

“It’s always been a dream to go D1,” Lauer said. “It’s always been in the back of my head. I’m glad it’s finally happening.”

Marietta goalkeeper Leigha Lauer, right, makes a leaping save during a high school girls soccer match against Parkersburg High this fall at Jerry Brock Field in Devola. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

Lauer, who repeated as a first teamer on the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association all-state list, also considered Toledo and Ashland. A trip to Wright State ultimately sealed the deal.

“Once I got on Wright State’s campus and I met the coaches and the girls, I knew that was where I wanted to go,” said Lauer, who plans to pursue a career in nursing.

“Last year, I started on a new club team. I went and guest played for a weekend, and Wright State came and watched the game and I just started talking to their assistant coach, Krystle Seidel. I went on a visit, and once I got on campus I knew that was the place for me and that’s where I wanted to go.”

A varsity starter since her freshman year, Lauer’s work between the pipes has been a major factor in Marietta’s success the last four seasons.

The Tigers compiled a record of 56-20-6 with Lauer in the goal. They enjoyed unprecedented tournament success during this span, including the program’s first ever Final Four appearance in 2022 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2023.

“I’ve loved playing for Marietta all four years,” Lauer said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve loved the girls, loved the coaches. It’s been a great four years of soccer here.”

Individually, Lauer allowed just 86 goals in 82 matches played. The two-time Twin State League Player of the Year recorded 490 saves throughout her career and tallied 40 shutouts, both school records. The 40 shutouts are seventh all-time in Ohio.

Among the other school records she holds are career save percentage (89.6%), single-season saves (155), single-season shutouts (14) and single-game saves (28).

One of her shining moments came in the state semifinals her sophomore year when she finished with 25 saves in a loss to eventual state runner-up Waynesville.

She was named District Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

“I’m very proud, but at the end of the day, it’s not really about the accolades and everything,” Lauer said. “I’m just trying to be the best I can be at what I love to do.”

Lauer has also put together an impressive basketball career at Marietta, and still has her senior season to go. She said she strongly considered hooping at the next level.

“Last winter, it was basketball,” she said. “It switched up a couple times, but I finally landed on soccer.”

The Marietta girls soccer team went 13-4 in the tournament over the last four years. Lauer posted clean sheets in 11 of those matches and allowed just 13 goals overall in the postseason.

She described the grind it takes to become one of the Buckeye State’s best goalies.

“Working outside of practice,” Lauer said. “Finding trainers, finding people who help you want to be great. I found a lot of people who wanted to help me with this journey. I’m very thankful to all those who have helped me.

“My coaches, (assistant) Ben Schenkel and (head coach) Bill Mannix. I also want to thank Ryan McClain, my basketball coach. He’s helped me, too. All my trainers, my club coaches, everybody else. I’m very thankful for all of them.”

Contact Jordan Holland at jholland@mariettatimes.com.