On February 4, Reagan Leader signed her National Letter of Intent to continue playing lacrosse at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. She will be playing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II lacrosse and entering as a member of the class of 2030.
Leader has been a member of lacrosse at Linganore High School (LHS) for three years and made the girls varsity as a freshman. Throughout her years on the team, Leader has shown strong leadership on and off the field.
“As a junior captain, Reagan helped lead this team and empower her teammates to be the best they could be,” LHS girls lacrosse coach Dean Coccia said. “She leads with confidence, accountability and team-first mentality.”
Her leadership and admiration for lacrosse started young, as she began playing in second grade. When she was younger, she played on both club and recreational teams, often forming a community with the other girls who did both as well.
As she got older, she continued playing club lacrosse and had the opportunity to join the LHS team. Her love for the sport remained, despite the differences in level and skill.
“High school is just a whole other level,” Leader said. “You’re playing with your best friends, and you’re playing for more than yourself. It’s just such a cool experience.”
In high school, Leader also participated in many other sports, including wrestling and flag football. She also served as the manager for these teams her junior year and managed the varsity football team in her senior year, along with senior Jordyn Shipley.
Finding a school to take the next step in her athletic career with her many experiences and successes at Linganore may seem difficult, but Leader found she was able to make a decision immediately.
“I just went on a visit [to Lander University],” Leader said. “And they always say when you go to a school, you know and I just knew. [Lander has] a small town feel, a little southern feel. I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
Leader’s mother Meredith Leader was a huge supporter of her daughter in the process of selecting a college, providing her a shoulder to lean on every step of the way.
“My goal has always been to be a steady source of encouragement while letting her take ownership and the lead of her athletic journey,” Meredith Leader said. “I’m excited for her and to see what the future holds for her.”
Reagan Leader is not only excited to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level, but also her education. She shared her intention to learn to manage her time wisely in college, despite being “a huge procrastinator.”
Even as Leader makes the transition into a new academic and athletic environment, she will always have the support of her family and past coaches.
“Reagan will be an outstanding addition to the Lander University lacrosse program,” Coccia said. “Her toughness, leadership, and team-first attitude will make an immediate impact.”
To read more about the program Leader will be joining, click here.
