… and you thought the offseason moves were finished!
NYCFC will have a new in-stadium matchday host in 2017, starting on Sunday when DC United visit the Bronx for our Home Opener.
By way of introduction, we caught up with Alex Kraemer to find out how this opportunity came around, as well as her background in soccer and her excitement at becoming part of NYCFC…
Q: How excited are you to be on board at NYCFC?
A: When I secured the position, I honestly couldn't contain my excitement. I always dreamed of not only working in soccer, but also working in New York. So to be able to combine the two is quite literally a dream come true. This is an incredible team in one of the best cities in the world.
Q: Could you tell us about your love of soccer?
A: I grew up literally living and breathing soccer. It was a 7-days-a-week thing for me. I played on multiple teams simultaneously for the most part. I played on the top team in the region, played on a Super Y team that went to Nationals, and played on the Olympic Developmental Program (ODP) team for years. Two back-to-back knee injuries ended my playing career right before college, literally in the heart of the recruiting process. My love for the sport runs very deep and has truly shaped who I am today; I honestly believe once soccer is in your heart, it’s in there forever! I cannot even wait to be around it again and can’t help but smile just thinking about it.
Q: Could you talk us through your background?
A: I grew up living and breathing soccer, with the goal to go professional in the sport. Two knee injuries sidelined me, and I had to completely change my focus but knew I wanted to continue working in sports. I studied psychology, with an emphasis in sports psychology, at the University of Georgia. I then went on to receive my Master’s in Sports Management from UGA.
While earning my degrees, I interned with the Gwinnett and Atlanta Braves, and finally with the Atlanta Gladiators (minor league hockey), where I was given my first opportunity to interview players and write press releases for a professional team. I immediately knew I wanted to continue to pursue sports broadcasting and went on to land such a role with the Philadelphia Flyers after one season with the Gladiators.
I am currently finishing my second season as the on-camera host and reporter with the Flyers, and also wrapped up a hosting gig with Whistle Sports. Soccer has always been my first love, and I had been looking to work with an MLS club, so when the opportunity with NYCFC came about, I immediately jumped on it without thinking twice. After spending three years in hockey arenas, I am beyond excited to get out on the pitch and be back in soccer and with the die-hard soccer fans.
Q: You’ve received a warm welcome from fans on social media, do you have a message for them?
A: I want to thank everyone for welcoming me onto the team; it’s very heartwarming! Soccer fans are THE greatest fans in the world, and I can’t wait to meet everyone! What a thrill to be a part of a team like NYCFC, that has fan clubs all over the entire world, it’s incredible. Let’s all come together to support The Boys in Blue to make this the best season yet!!
Q: How much are you looking forward to your first game on Sunday?
A: Honestly, I don’t think I can put it into words. I get goosebumps just watching old game footage from Yankee Stadium. To finally be in the stadium, in front of these incredible fans, in the heart of the electric atmosphere, and just be a part of it all, is going to be thrilling. What an amazing season it’s going to be, and I am beyond ready to get started! Come On, New York!
