By Roger Metzger
•
18 Mar, 2024
Lauryn Contini is ready to play Division I college soccer. After an outstanding career as a New Philadelphia High School girls’ soccer standout, Contini is poised to play women’s college soccer for the University of Louisville. The 5-foot-5 freshman midfielder and the rest of her University of Louisville teammates will take the pitch this Saturday against rival Kentucky at Lexington as the Cardinals abbreviated spring schedule gets underway. “I’ve had a great time so far and my teammates have made it much easier,” said Contini of her transition from high school to college soccer. “I’m really happy.” The Cardinals fall season is set to begin in the middle of August. Her new head coach is happy to have Contini on board. “Lauryn is going to provide an immediate attacking presence for us,” said Louisville head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes on the UL website. “She is capable of scoring goals with both feet in and around the box. She strikes the ball exceptionally well and is also an excellent final passer who will be able to set up her teammates. She can play as a forward or attacking midfielder with her great offensive instincts.” Contini’s high school coach, A.J. Wahlie, had nothing but positive things to say about his former standout player. “What makes Lauryn so special is her work ethic,” said Wahlie. “We were doing two a days as a team and she was doing three a days. She’s electric. She has it.” Contini, a daughter of Ryan and Lisa Contini of New Philadelphia, is majoring in Sports Administration with a minor in Business. She graduated early from New Philadelphia last December and started college classes at the University of Louisville shortly thereafter. “For me it was the opportunity to play in the spring season and I felt it would be good for my development,” explained Contini, who went to Louisville with 40 credit hours under her belt. “Academics are taken very seriously there.” She trains during the morning hours and attends classes in the afternoon. Contini had an outstanding junior soccer season for the Quakers. Contini scored a state-high 55 goals with eight assists as she and her New Philadelphia teammates advanced to a Division II regional championship match in 2022, losing to Marietta 1-0 and just missing the final four. For her efforts, she was named first-team All-Ohio in 2022. Contini led area players selected to the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association All-Ohio team. She was also named first team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference and Eastern District Player of the Year and was also nominated for All-American status by the United Soccer Coaches Association. Contini, who scored both goals in a 2-0 win over archrival Dover in the regional semifinal, led the Quakers to a 15-4-2 record and a berth in the regional championship before falling. “That was an amazing game,” Contini recalled. “I’ll never forget it.” Contini elected not to play high school soccer her senior season. “I just felt the risk (of getting injured) was not worth the reward,” said Contini. “It was definitely different not playing, but I felt I made the right decision.” Michigan State, Ohio State and Purdue were among the other top suitors for Contini, but she eventually decided upon the University of Louisville where she fit right in. “It’s a great place,” said Contini. “I’m very comfortable there.” Contini was also a member of the Cleveland Force Soccer Club. She was selected to the ECNL National Training Camp in 2022 and the ECNL Selection Game in Florida. She was also an ECNL Ohio Valley All-Conference Team honoree in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Like many Tuscarawas County boys and girls, she began playing soccer at age 3 at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover. Her parents took her to a Columbus Crew professional soccer match when she was 5. Contini met one of the pros and really fell in love with the sport. And she hasn’t looked back.