ORONO, Maine – Abby Kraemer said if someone had told her four years ago that she would leave the University of Maine’s soccer program as a two-time All-American, “I would have said they were crazy.”
But that’s what she has accomplished after being named a third-team All-American last week to follow up her second-team berth in 2023.
She is now hoping to land a professional contract to continue her soccer career.
She was UMaine’s first women’s soccer All-American in 2023 and this season became the first America East player in 25 years to be a two-time All-American.
The Black Bears won their first ever America East Tournament title and earned their first NCAA Tournament berth a year ago and duplicated the feat this season.
“I was talking to Coach (Scott Atherley) today for my exit interview and we were reflecting back on my freshman year when I walked into his office and said I wasn’t leaving here without a championship.
“Saying I have two now is pretty crazy,” said Kraemer.
Kraemer led the team in scoring this fall with seven goals and five assists for 19 points with three of her goals being game-winners. The Black Bears finished up at 13-2-3.
She had 13 goals and four assists for 30 points in 2023 with six game-winning goals as the Black Bears went 11-2-6.
Kraemer said she focused on the mental part of her game this season so she could become a more well-rounded player.
“My stats didn’t line up with what they were last year. I really focused on doing whatever I could to help the team win this year. It wasn’t about me scoring all the time. It was about getting out of the way sometimes for someone else (to score),” she said.
She has been working out in preparation for a pro career.
“I definitely want to play pro soccer. It has always been a dream of mine,” said the Waterloo, Ontario native. “I’m hoping to play in Europe or North America.
“Just about every country has their own league,” she pointed out.
Her native Canada is starting its own new North Super League this spring with franchises in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.
“That’s super exciting,” said Kraemer.
“I want to go to a place where I can play and also be in a competitive environment where I’m going to be pushed. I still want to improve, too,” said Kraemer.
She is graduating early so she can hopefully launch her pro career since many of the leagues start play in the spring.
“I’m excited to get back into offseason workouts. I want to get on top of it in terms of fitness and strength,” Kraemer said.
Kraemer was a two-time first team All-America East selection and she was also a second team pick and an All-Rookie team pick.
She concluded her UMaine career with 31 goals and 12 assists for 74 points. Ten of her goals were game-winners.
