Open letter congratulating Ken Krieger on Hall of Fame induction

An open letter submitted to Potomac Soccer Wire congratulating Ken Krieger on his recent induction to the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame.

[See the full 2010 inductee class at http://www.vadcsoccerhof.org]

It is without doubt Ken Krieger has made an enormous impression on the game of soccer in Virginia. His footprint includes four State Championships while at the helm at C.D. Hylton High School, two NSCAA Divison I High School National Championships, two USYSA Regional Championships, and the most wins by a VHSL Boys Soccer Coach with an overall record of 386-191-39. His coaching career has seen him in many positions including head coach at Hartford College (1977-1978), assistant coach at American University (1984-1987) where the team was a National Finalist in 1985, and George Mason University (1987-1988). He has served as the VYSA Womens Coaching Director, and as a USYSA Region I Staff Member. Furthermore, he has worked the sidelines with the D.C. United and Washington Freedom youth programs where he led teams to two Final Four appearances and one National Championship. While one could go on and on about Krieger’s coaching record, the true measure of his success is the impact he has had on his players and colleagues.

Throughout his illustrious 30 year career, Krieger has always elevated those in his sphere of influence to reach their highest potential. His character is legendary for those who have had the honor to work with him. At times his candor can cut like a knife, and yet at other times his affable humor brings players, coaches, and parents to their knees. His knowledge of the game is great, yet his hunger to learn more is never satiated. His personality has an infectious quality, bringing out the best in those who compete for and with him, and even with those who compete against him. It has often been stated teams play to beat Ken rather than to beat the players Ken is coaching. If you are ever with Ken at a soccer event anywhere in the country, you can be certain he will run into someone who has a story to tell. Whether they played or coached with him or against him, they never forget their moments with Ken.

Aaron Brunner, Prince William Courage Director of Youth Development:
"There are not enough words that can express the impact Ken Krieger has had in my life and so many others. The level of influence he has had on me in almost every facet of my life is remarkable. He is my greatest mentor and coach. In all his achievements and titles... I feel his greatest triumph is the number of individuals who played for him who are still involved in the game in some capacity."

Todd Dyer, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Longwood University:
"Simply stated, I’m where I am as a soccer coaching professional because of Ken Krieger. When I first played for him during my 10th grade year of high school I literally wanted to be him, not just like him. His passion, knowledge, inspiration, innovation, and influence in the game seperate him from the rest of the pack."

David Tenny, Assistant Coach of the Seattle Sounders (MLS):
"Ken Krieger has been a friend and mentor for the past seven years. I describe him to my peers in MLS as simply “the best youth coach I have ever seen in this country.” He has an ability to see things with clarity unlike any other coach I have worked with. Having had the experience of working with him made me a better coach, and was important in my development in the profession"

David Stokes, former D.C. United player and current PWSI Courage coach:
"Mr. Krieger, as a coach and teacher, always inspired me and my fellow teammates and classmates to achieve with regards for highest standards. He was able to challenge the individual into striving for the best, while remaining positive and constructive. Despite his seemingly harsh coaching persona, Mr. Krieger’s methods were never of a negative or degrading nature... He truly cares about the individuals he works with and this transcends any accomplishments or job descriptions."

Congratulations to Coach Krieger on his induction to the VYSA Hall of Fame. His record speaks for itself, but the positive impact he has had on his players and colleagues is clearly his greatest success. This is certainly not the end for Ken Krieger as he is still working hard to develop players and coaches in Virginia.