THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 3, 1994 TAG: 9407020181
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHRISSIE TAYLOR, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Although the Chesapeake Select Soccer Club's boys program has been a great success, members realized that the organization needed to improve its girls program.
So the club's leadership turned to the man who was a natural for the task - John Kraemer, who has been coaching soccer for 11 years, has a national license and is father of Katie Kraemer. Katie, a member of the state Olympic Development Program, represented the United States on a trip to Norway last May and is one of the area's best players.
A native of Santa Fe, N.M., John Kraemer helped start two girls select teams and three advanced teams two years ago. He thought younger girls in the area should have a chance to improve their soccer skills.
``My goal was to give girls an opportunity to play higher level soccer and develop their talent with the same opportunities that other cities have,'' Kraemer said. ``And I want to develop the skill of the girls at a younger age so that they can continue to play at higher levels.
``Possibly, I can lead these young ladies into coaching at some point.''
Interestingly, Kraemer started coaching baseball, but when his children became involved with soccer, the sport grabbed his interest.
``Soccer is a good all-around sport,'' he said. ``The athletes are healthy, quick and have a lot of stamina. Soccer players are tremendous athletes overall.''
In addition, soccer offers a chance for girls to play, as well as boys. With girls sports becoming more popular, soccer has grown in popularity.
He has coached as many as four teams in one season, but this past year, he concentrated on the Under 14 Lightning.
``This past season, my team was around 13-5-4 and they won one tournament,'' Kraemer said. ``I don't go by wins and losses, but by the development and progress of the players, and this team showed dramatic improvement.''
Kraemer says that he has received tremendous support from the parents and other coaches such as Mike Kent and Harvey Regan. Although the main season runs during the fall and winter, Kraemer is always working to promote soccer. Currently, he is having tryouts for his travel team and planning to increase participation this coming season.
Kraemer hopes to have at least four travel or select teams and about three advanced squads. But much depends on the number and age of the girls who come out.
``In the future I hope to see a consistent program with teams at all age levels from U-10 to U-19 and a back-up advanced program so that the girls can move up and down,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by L. TODD SPENCER
John Kraemer, soccer coach for 11 years, and his daughter Katie, a
member of the state Olympic Development Program.
by CNB