Lenawee United FC is thrilled to highlight Jayleigh Niese, a dedicated and driven athlete from our GU19 High School team, for her continued advancement through the highly competitive Ohio Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Jayleigh has successfully navigated three rounds of tryouts and has earned a spot in the Ohio State Pool, with her fourth tryout coming up—a pivotal moment where approximately 21 girls will be selected to represent the Ohio State Team for the 2025–2026 season.

The ODP process is both rigorous and selective. Players from across all Ohio districts enter Phase 1, and after each session, they’re evaluated by a rotating group of high-level coaches. These cumulative evaluations determine who advances, making each phase more competitive than the last. In Jayleigh’s age group, only around 50–60 girls in the entire state have reached this point.

Jayleigh’s journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and unwavering work ethic. A junior at Adrian High School, she proudly represents the Adrian Maples varsity soccer team. She’s been a key player at Lenawee United FC since 2022, and her history with us dates back even further—as she’s been part of our system since her U8 days, originally playing with the club we acquired.

Jayleigh continues to embody what Lenawee United FC is all about—technical development, tactical awareness, and character rooted in a commitment to growth. Her progression through the ODP program not only reflects her abilities but also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of LUFC players.

We’re incredibly proud of Jayleigh and are cheering her on as she prepares for the next phase of her ODP journey!

Keep rising, Jayleigh. The best is yet to come.