LebCo Athlete of the Week: Avery Lechleitner

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Avery Lechleitner

Few players did more to fuel Cedar Crest’s success during the week of April 6th than Avery Lechleitner, who turned in a huge all-around stretch for the Falcons.

The junior midfielder filled up the stat sheet across 3 Cedar Crest wins over Eastern York, Cocalico, and Elizabethtown. She totaled 13 goals, 2 assists, and 23 draw controls during the unbeaten week, using her offensive production and ability to control possession to help power the Falcons. Those efforts earned Lechleitner recognition as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.

“My offensive performance and ability to control the ball in the draw circle,” said Lechleitner, when asked what stood out most about her performance from the week.

The strong stretch was another sign of the season Lechleitner is helping Cedar Crest put together. The Falcons are in the postseason hunt with an 8-2 record, and Lechleitner has been one of the biggest reasons why. She currently has a team-high 38 goals and has also added 5 assists. Her 43 points rank 2nd on the team behind fellow standout Bella Paquette, giving Cedar Crest one of the top scoring duos around.

For Lechleitner, the goals for this season are centered on team success. She said, “My goal is for my team to make it farther than last year.”

She said she has tried to fit into those team goals by putting in extra work away from practice while leading by example.

That approach has stood out to Cedar Crest head coach Jeanine Snyder, who praised Lechleitner’s work ethic, versatility, and leadership.

“Avery is one of the hardest-working athletes in and out of season,” said Snyder. “You can often find Avery at the wall working on her skills during the offseason or on a weekend without games. During the season, she demonstrates great leadership for the younger girls that we have on the team through her play and positivity.”

Snyder said Lechleitner’s ability to impact the game in so many ways is what makes her such a valuable player for the Falcons.

“Every game, I know that Avery will bring her best and do whatever the team needs,” said Snyder. “She can score, set people up, play defense, and is a threat for draw control. Avery has such a high game IQ, which is probably one of her strongest skills. Her being recognized as Athlete of the Week shows that hard work and determination do pay off.”

Lechleitner also made sure to recognize the people who have helped her along the way, especially her mom for pushing her and being her biggest supporter.

Outside of lacrosse, Lechleitner also plays field hockey. Looking ahead, she is already committed to play Division I lacrosse at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She said her long-term goals are to continue improving and developing as a player while eventually pursuing something in the medical field.

Athletics also run in the family. Lechleitner said her mom played lacrosse and her dad played football, with both competing at Lock Haven.

When she is not training, Lechleitner said she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, and playing pickleball. One fun fact she shared is that she is a youth lacrosse official. She also said that back in 6th grade, her mom had to make her play lacrosse when she did not want to, only for her to end up loving the sport and eventually earning the chance to play it in college.

For Lechleitner, one of the best parts of sports has been the friendships that come with it.

“The friendships you make along the way,” said Lechleitner.

Congratulations to Avery on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Falcons as they continue their push toward the postseason.

Photography by Kyle Nazarchuk (K.N. Photography)

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Grant Reesor

Past Winners

Addison Hollenbach (Week of 3/30)

Chloe Shirk (Week of 3/23)

Ryleigh Hopkins (Week of 3/9, 3/16)