Leah Rhinehart was a key contributor to Fallston’s highly successful girls soccer and basketball teams. Soccer, however, is her sport of choice.
She was the Cougars’ starting goalkeeper for two seasons, including being in net for the team’s run to the 2022 Class 1A state championship. She recently committed to play soccer at the University of Delaware.
Rhinehart recently spoke to The Aegis about her career, her family and her future.
Editor’s note: Some questions and answers have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
How did your commitment to Delaware come about?
It was actually super random and super last minute. Delaware was one of the schools I applied to without soccer. There were a couple I applied to just in case soccer didn’t work out because of injuries or whatever. It’s good to have a backup plan. I ended up getting in with a presidential scholarship. So I reached out to the coaches in November. Maybe a week before I committed they called my trainer and said they were looking for a Class of ’24 player. A couple days later, they gave me a call, the next day they were at one of my club practices, and then a few days later I was on a tour. About a week after that I committed. It was all super quick. I was a late commitment but I went and I fell in love. It was a super easy decision in the end.
Were there any other schools you were considering?
I was actually committed to Rice University in Houston, Texas, but it wasn’t a great fit for me and I was open to looking at other schools. When I went to Delaware and toured and met the team, it honestly won me over right away. It was a tough conversation with the Rice coaches, but it is what it is.
Did proximity play a role? You’re going to be a half-hour away from home as opposed to half a country away.
Absolutely. I’m super close with my with my family. My grandfather is not easily able to travel. I have two sisters, one just graduated college and is coming home and my little sister is going to be a sophomore in high school. Honestly, being able to come home for Sunday night dinners and having them be able to come to my games, it was a really big draw for me. … They’ll still be able to be a really big part of my career.
Do the state championships still rate as your top soccer memories?
That is definitely one of my favorite memories of Fallston. The team aspect at Fallston as an athlete, we’re all really, really close. That’s a day — it’s like a picture in my mind. I remember every second of it. Obviously, the second of the back-to-back titles is a little closer to my heart since I played a bigger role, but the older girls influenced me on the first one. Even though I wasn’t playing much I still felt like a big part of the team.
How long have you been playing soccer?
About 14 years now; I started when I was 4. My older sister was a goalkeeper, too, that’s how I got into it. I watched her play and was like, “Wow, that’s what I want to do.” From the second there was a goalkeeper, I was in the goal.
In a sport that is so offense-focused, little kids loving to run around and kick things, how do you settle on being the goalkeeper?
It really started my coach just being like, “Who wants to go in the goal?” And I’m jumping up and down, “Me! Me! Me! Pick me!” I’d play half in center midfield because I am kind of fast, but I always had more fun in the goal. I like a more aggressive style. And my big sister did play a huge role in that.
How do you play the position? The other team is coming down with the ball, what are you looking for? How are you defending it?
Being the style of player I am, I’m not the 6-foot, big strong girl, but the super unique part of my game is I’m super quick. If there’s a ball I can get to, I’m going for it. I’m a very aggressive player. One of the words my coaches use is I’m very brave. I’ll go for anything, always up for a challenge.
How important is it to work with your defenders, communicate and know where everyone is?
It’s 100% one of the most important factors. Connectivity and communication with your defense just changed everything. If you have a supportive back line that knows what the others are doing, it’s easier to flow, it’s easier to rotate, and that starts in the goalkeeping position because you have the ability to see the entire field.
You mentioned the influence your sister had getting you started. How big of an influence was she?
She played at University of Southern California but had to medically retire after her sophomore year because of concussions. … It was a big help for training purposes. We’d be able to go out to the field together and we do play a different style game, but the technique is all the same, so it was a big plus having her around.
So now it’s time to get to know you a bit more off the field. You’re on the bus going to a big road game, what song are you listening to to get fired up?
This is a funny one, but “Before He Cheats,” by Carrie Underwood was always my team’s go-to. You get a little scream-singing in and it gets your adrenaline going before a game.
What’s your favorite place to eat around town?
I’m a big brunch girl, so Sunny Day Cafe is probably one of my favorites. Or Bacco — it’s an Italian place that’s super good.
If you could time travel to any point in history, where would you go or what would you want to see?
Maybe the 1960s. I always wanted to meet my great-grandmother, who was a professional bagpiper, and hear her play.
If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would you want to go on?
Easy. “Survivor.” I’m an avid watcher, haven’t missed a season in three or four years. It’s my favorite and I definitely think I’d be good at some of the challenges.
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