“I’ve always been so proud to call you Dad,” Ali Krieger wrote while giving a heartfelt tribute to her father, Ken, who died this very time last year, aged 69. As a former soccer player and coach who inspired his daughter to tread a path in the beautiful game, it’s no surprise that the USWNT icon devotes her entire career to the very man who brought her into the world. Even though he is no longer with us today, Mr. Ken would surely be proud to see his daughter achieve a similar yet ‘special‘ feat like the one that he once won.
On Wednesday, Krieger shared exciting news among her ardent fans and close ones. The former Gotham FC defender was inducted into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. It is a similar recognition that her dad was once presented with back in the day. She shared a carousel of four pictures on Instagram, sharing glimpses of such a prestigious recognition. It was also accompanied by a caption expressing her gratitude for the tribute.
“Incredibly honored to be inducted into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame! Growing up in Northern Virginia, this community shaped me into the player and person I am today. Even more special to share this honor with my dad, who was inducted in 2010—I know he’s smiling down, proud.” she wrote. Further thanking her friends and family for their immense support over this ‘incredible recognition,’ Ali added, “I’ll carry this moment with me always..”
A Penn State University graduate between 2003 and 2006, Krieger had begun her youth career at Prince William Sparklers at just 7. She was coached by her dad for over 12 years. Keeping up with soccer in high school, the former defender kept receiving multiple honors as the three-year team captain at Forest Park High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. After college, she finally began her professional career.
The rest is history as Krieger played for the likes of Washington Freedom, Germany’s FFC Frankfurt, Sweden’s Tyresö FF, and later for Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL. Even on the international front, her achievements were nothing short of excellence. Beyond 108 appearances, a goal, and 9 assists, she won two World Cups as well.
Ali wasn’t the only successful one in the Krieger family. Father Ken also enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and coach. He earned a 386-184-37 record over 30 years and secured four boys’ state titles. Additionally, Ken also coached the girls’ soccer team at Osbourn Park High School before launching soccer programs at Hylton in 1991 and Forest Park in 2000. At Hylton, he won four Group AAA state championships in 1993, 1994, 1998, and 1999.
Beyond high school, he was an assistant coach at American University (1983-1986) and George Mason University (1986-1988). Later, he served as technical director for Prince William Soccer and McLean Youth Soccer. He also played soccer and baseball at Frostburg State. His former colleague, Alan Ross, described him as “a vibrant, athletic, swashbuckling guy who was an extremely talented soccer player and coach.” No wonder that behind all such achievements, “The Warrior Princess” dedicates her latest post-retirement achievement to her dad.
Ali Krieger has successfully fulfilled her dad’s legacy
It was towards the end of the 2023 season that Ali finally decided to hang up her boots. Fortunately, father Ken was able to witness her conclude an iconic career before passing away from Alzheimer’s disease, which he had battled for years. In many ways, her entire career stands as a tribute to the unwavering support her father provided in shaping her journey as a defender.
“You gave me my football brain and soccer genes.. which led me to my dream job and career full of beautiful, breath-taking, life long moments that I can cherish forever! I’ll never forget looking up from the field, into the stands and seeing how proud you stood, clapping and waving to me after every match,” wrote Krieger in her earlier message after her dad’s demise.
Given all that Krieger has accomplished, just like her father, she has undoubtedly made the late Mr. Ken proud. Could there have been a better way? We hardly think so.
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