Marquette University Athletics
Katie Kelly Pursues Professional Soccer Dream
3/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
March 4, 2009
MILWAUKEE - Golden Eagle senior defender Katie Kelly refuses to let her dream of playing professional soccer die.
In the months following the women's soccer team's fall season, Kelly has attended tryouts with some of the top professional clubs in the world, including the TSV Crailsheim, German Bundesliga and the Chicago Red Stars of the Women's Professional Soccer League. All of Kelly's hard work has paid off as she has been selected as a member of the St. Louis Athletica preseason roster. The Athletica is one of the seven teams that will compete in the newly formed WPS's inaugural season.
"The hard work and relentlessness has paid off in order to get me to this point," Kelly explained. "Even if things don't work out, I'll never stop believing that I can play pro soccer some day."
The WPS, formed in 2007, will begin play this April and will feature teams from the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The WPS expects to expand during the 2010 campaign, adding teams from Atlanta and Philadelphia.
"This is a dream come true for Katie," said Marquette Head Coach Markus Roeders. "She has always set the bar high and we are excited for her to pursue a opportunity. "She loves to play and should be well prepared going into camp. Playing with the top players in the country and world motivate her and now it's time for her to shine."
Kelly attended the open try-outs for both the Chicago Red Stars and the St. Louis Athletica.
"My mind set was that I've got nothing to lose," Kelly said of her attitude during the try-out process. "As I go through tryouts I'm just trying to soak up the moment. Of course I'm nervous, anxious and excited because I'm trying to fulfill my dream, but I'm trying to stay positive and not worry myself to death if they tell me that I will not be on the roster this year. Plus, I get to play with unbelievable players which can only make me better in the long run."
While most Marquette students will be on spring break next week, Kelly will be attending the Athletica's preseason camp with 28 other hopefuls, including former BIG EAST players Kerri Hanks, Amanda Cinalli and Elise Weber of Notre Dame and Kim Bonilla and Lisa Stoia of West Virginia.
"Obviously I've been among some great players these past four years," said Kelly of her preparedness. "Marquette has always kept me on my toes in regards to training. They never told us exactly what we would be doing on a certain day especially during preseason, which is exactly what is happening now. No one knows anything except where to be and when to be there."
Kelly and the other 27 players vying for the 22 roster spots will be guaranteed at least two weeks of play before the first round of cuts are made on March 11. The second and final cut will be made eight days later on March 19 rendering the team complete with 18 rostered players and four reserves.
"I've been talking to Markus and Frank almost daily and I'm constantly updating my former teammates and roommates on developments as they come," Kelly said. "I think about those coaches and girls every time I put on my cleats. I think about all the games I played in those shoes and the people I was surrounded by day in and day out. I love them all so much and I wish they were here with me, but I know that they are hoping for the best in my time here."
