Fourth in a series of stories highlighting the academic, community and personal achievements of University of Toledo student-athletes.
 
By Brody Hickle, University of Toledo Athletic Communications Intern
 
Lexa Bauer has always had a passion for political causes, so her academic path should come as no surprise.

A defender on the Toledo women's soccer team, Bauer was recently accepted into Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. She hopes to become a prosecuting attorney one day, and then perhaps branch out into the arena of social justice.

 "I am passionate about being an advocate for women and children," said Bauer, who holds a 4.0 grade point average in political science. "If I were to be a prosecutor, I would want to work in a domestic crime area. I am also very interested in social justice, civil rights and racial equity. Moving forward, I could see myself working in diversity, doing work for nonprofits -- not necessarily being in the courtroom my entire career. However, it is important to me to gain at least some experience as a trial lawyer."

Bauer, who went to high school at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, entered UToledo with the idea that she would go into politics. Her experiences over the past few years have nudged her toward the courtroom. Either way, she knew that law school would be in her future.

"Since my senior year in high school, I knew that I wanted to go to law school," said Bauer. "However, as I have done more internships, I have moved away from having a career in politics. But political science is a great background for me to have before going into law school."

Not only has Bauer excelled in the classroom, she has done so quickly. She will graduate with her bachelor's degree this May after just three years at UToledo.

"I never planned on graduating in three years," Bauer said, an Academic All-MAC honoree in 2019.  "Then, I did an academic internship last year with NAACP. That gave me enough credit hours to graduate in three years. An experience like that also made it easier for me to get into the law school I wanted to attend (Ohio State)."

Completing her undergraduate degree in just three years created something of a dilemma for Bauer. By choosing to go to law school after her third year at UToledo, she is leaving behind the chance to continue her college soccer career. What has made the decision even more difficult is that Bauer suffered a preseason knee injury that has sidelined her this spring in what would have been her final season wearing the Midnight Blue and Gold. However, her commitment and dedication to her team has not wavered.

 "Missing this season definitely was a disappointment for Lexa as it would be for anybody in that situation," said Head Coach TJ Buchholz. "She wants to play. However, she has a team-first attitude. During practices and games, her voice is always heard. She has been great to the younger players. People look up to her as a person of influence on the team."

Despite her relatively brief soccer career, Bauer has left a lasting impact on the Rocket soccer program. She played in 11 games as a freshman before moving into a starting role in the backfield as a sophomore. But it was off the field where she made the biggest impression.

"Lexa's charisma and dedication have been outstanding," said Buchholz. "She is one of the best I have ever coached. She has been dedicated to play soccer at this level while earning a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, which is not an easy task. Above all, she has a bright future ahead of her. I have told her many times that I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her."

Previous Stories

Feb. 24 - Tycen Anderson Draws Inspiration From His Grandmother
March 3 - Thailand Native Thawin Suksathaporn has found a home in Toledo
March 10 -  Freshmen Women's Tennis Players Take Aim at Medical School