Striker Abby Kraemer led the University of Maine women’s soccer team to its first two America East championships and NCAA Tournament berths.
And she is being rewarded for it by becoming the first player from the soccer program to have her jersey retired.
She will become just the eighth UMaine female athlete to receive the honor, joining former UMaine basketball stars Cindy Blodgett, Heather Ernest, Jamie Cassidy, Emily Ellis, Rachel Bouchard and Liz Coffin along with basketball coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie.
There are 17 male athletes who have had their jerseys retired.
Kraemer said she is “incredibly honored” in a press release from the school. Kraemer wore No. 12 at UMaine.
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and my family as well as the unwavering support from all of Black Bear nation,” Kraemer said. “The achievements we made together as a team and a program are truly special. It was a privilege to wear the Maine jersey and to be part of such an incredible program.”
UMaine soccer coach Scott Atherley said athletic director Jude Killy approached him with the idea, and Atherley’s reaction was that he couldn’t think of anyone more worthy from the program.
“When you look at what has been the protocol for past athletes who received the same recognition, Abby checked a lot of boxes, all of the boxes to be very honest,” said Atherley. “She is so deserving.”
Kraemer became the first member of the UMaine women’s soccer program to earn All-American status two years ago with a second team berth, and was again named an All-American for her play this past fall. She was a third team selection. She is currently playing professional soccer in Portugal.
Kraemer led the team in scoring in three of her four seasons including the last two. She had seven goals and five assists for 19 points this past fall including three game-winners after racking up 13 goals and four assists for 30 points in 2023. Six of her 13 goals were game-winners.
The Waterloo, Ontario native concluded her remarkable career with 31 goals and 12 assists for 74 points in 67 career games. She had 10 game-winning goals.
She was the 2023 America East Striker of the Year and was a two-time All-America East first team selection, a second team pick and an All-Rookie team choice.
“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,” said Atherley. “She had this hunger and desire to win.”
Kraemer received the 2024 “M” Club Dean Smith Award, which goes to the top female and male student-athletes at the school. She graduated with a degree in biochemistry in December.
“And she was a selfless teammate. She truly wanted to see the team prosper over any individual accolade she could realize,” added Atherley, who pointed out that she was also an Academic All-American.
At UMaine, she worked in the Maginnis Laboratory, a virology research lab. She helped publish a research paper on the JC polyomavirus infection.
She also volunteered for several local food drive initiatives, coached youngsters and was a lunch time activity volunteer for the Old Town school district.
“We are extremely excited to honor Abby by retiring her jersey,” said Killy in a press release. “She perfectly reflects our mission and core values, on and off the field, and played a leading role in creating the start of the greatest team run in program history.”
The formal unveiling of her retired jersey will take place during a game to be determined this fall.
“We are so thankful to her and to all the student-athletes who helped us win back-to-back titles in unprecedented fashion,” Killy added. “Abby’s accomplishments and accolades along the way are unmatched and have set a new standard for our program with both individual and team success.”
