Leimeister steps down as Edison boys soccer coach

Nate Leimeister is stepping down after two successful seasons as Edison's boys soccer coach. Leimeister cited the time involved in coaching as the main reason for his decision. "It was a huge time constraint," he said. "To do it correctly, it took a lot of time." Leimeister notified Edison athletic director Kristen Hayden of his decision last Tuesday. "I had election day off and was contemplating some things and made that decision," he said. "Absolutely, it was a tough decision, but this is best for me and my family." Leimeister is the forestry foreman for the city of Sandusky. The Division IV district coach of the year guided the Chargers to a 12-6 record in 2024 before Edison posted a record-breaking 19-1-1 mark this past season. The Chargers were co-champions of the Sandusky Bay Conference and won the first district championship in program history with a 6-0 win over Delta on Oct. 25 at Sylvania Southview High School. "One of the better feelings I've had in my life," said Leimeister after that match. "Super proud of these kids. You can see the excitement, the pride, the families… it's an amazing feeling." Leimeister originally applied for the junior varsity position two years ago, but was asked to lead the varsity program after James Duffy resigned. "I was waiting for interview and the next thing I knew I was asked if I could help out (with the varsity) until they figured it out," Leimeister said. Hayden hopes to start interviewing coaching candidates in the next couple weeks. She said an internal job posting didn't stir any interest, so an external posting was released this week. "We're looking for someone with coaching experience and someone who is ready to pick up a team that could be as good or better (than the 2025 team)," Hayden said. The Chargers will graduate three All-Sandusky Bay Conference first team selections — including Alex Davidson, who scored 101 career goals — but will return six players who made the All-SBC first or second teams. The list of returnees include Leimeister's two sons — Trevor, a first team pick who will be a senior — and Tyler, who will be a sophomore. "It felt like this was the right time (to step down), but I'm still going to watch my boys play soccer," Leimeister said.