ROSSFORD, Ohio — Following retirement from the professional ranks, Anthony Wayne graduate Taylor Leach knew she wanted to stay in the sport of soccer. Well, it turns out her new career also brings her back home.
"Be able to come back, be closer to family and give back to the kids that are in this area is huge," Leach said.
A homecoming for one of northwest Ohio's most decorated soccer players, Leach returns to the pitch where it all started.
"I had every ambition to work with kids and youth development. Maybe not in this way so much, but I'm glad I took it," Leach said. "I was leaning toward the strength and conditioning side of the game but when this opportunity presented itself I wanted to take it."
On Jan. 6, Pacesetter Soccer Club hired Leach to be the new Sporting Director, a role in which she will oversee operations and directly impact youth.
"That's the most rewarding part for me. Obviously, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes work we do but being able to come out on the evenings and watch the kids enjoy themselves is fun," Leach said.
She brings with her remarkable experience. The former All-SEC star at South Carolina went on to play professionally overseas and most recently in the NWSL.
"Toledo has a lot of good athletes and if I can help them in any way and inspire them to take the journey that I did, whether that be college or pro, I'm all about it," Leach said.
For the last 13 years, Leach had been away from the Glass City to pursue her career after college. Now the proud graduate of Anthony Wayne is ready to tackle a new opportunity.
"There's a lot more kids than when I was growing up, which is a great thing," Leach said. "That means the game is growing and I'm so excited to be here and help continue to grow in a positive way. It's great to be back in my hometown, give back and still be a part in the sport of soccer."