University of Maine two-time All-American soccer striker Abby Kraemer is one of three finalists for America East Woman of the Year.
The winner will be announced at the America East awards dinner on Tuesday, June 3.
The award “recognizes the conference’s senior male and female student-athletes who have best distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership,” according to the America East Conference.
Joining Kraemer as a finalist are Vermont basketball star Anna Olson and Albany field hockey standout Alison Smisdom. The finalists were chosen from a group of nine total nominees representing each of the nine schools in the conference.
“Her talent is obvious but it is matched by her work ethic and her competitive nature. I’ve never coached a more competitive athlete during my tenure,” UMaine soccer coach Scott Atherley said in February when it was announced that Kraemer would have her jersey retired at UMaine. “She had this hunger and desire to win.”
Kraemer was a third team All-American this past season after being a second team selection two years ago. She was the first two-time All-American from the America East Conference in 25 years.
She is from Waterloo, Ontario, and concluded her UMaine career with 74 points on 31 goals and 12 assists. She led UMaine to its first two America East tournament championships in program history.
Kraemer also earned First Team Academic All-American honors and was the conference’s Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2024. She started playing professionally in Portugal after earning a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry this past December. She finished at UMaine with a 3.902 GPA.
Her community impact in Maine included time spent volunteering at several medical facilities and coaching youth soccer. She also spent time with the Christine B. Foundation and as a lunchtime activity leader in the Old Town School District.
The America East Conference began honoring a Woman of the Year in 2006 and has recognized a Man of the Year award since 2015. Maine has had three winners in Connor Goodman (2024), Holly Stewart (2015) and Kelton Cullenberg (2014).
