CHS standout nets chance to play college soccer

PALMER — As Jamie Krediet searched for her potential home for the next four years, Krediet and her mother packaged about 50 discs with video footage of highlights from her soccer career and sent them to schools across the country.

The work was worth it.

After seeing Krediet on film, the University of Mary women’s soccer coaching staff invited the Colony High School senior for a visit, and Krediet has since signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the Bismark, N.D., school and play for the Marauders program.

“My overall feel for the school was better,” said Krediet, who also list Division I Southern Utah and NAIA Eastern Oregon as schools she seriously considered. “I liked the players and the coach. I thought I fit in really well.”

Krediet, a three-year Colony varsity standout who was named first-team All-Northern Lights Conference as a sophomore and second-team as a junior, had the chance to spend time with the team during her official visit to the University of Mary campus earlier this year.

“I stayed in the dorms with the girls on the team, got to practice with the team,” Krediet said. “I thought it was pretty cool to be able to practice with a Division II program.”

Krediet, a center midfielder, said based on what t he coaches saw, she’ll get playing time as a true freshman, and potentially start.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Krediet said. “I’m definitely going to have the opportunity to be a starter. Obviously, I have to work for the spot.”

Krediet said she believes Division II is a perfect fit, especially after looking at different schools at various levels.

In addition to her time with the Knights varsity soccer program, Krediet has made the commute to Anchorage to compete with the Alaska Rush.

Krediet said playing with the highly competitive Rush program has helped her progress in the sport she’s played since she was 6 years old.

“It’s a whole different level,” Krediet said.

She’s also had a chance to travel Outside to play soccer with the program, making trips to places such as Colorado, North Caroline and Arizona. Krediet also said her parents played a primary role in her ability to travel and explore.

“It’s been really good. I’m so thankful my parents have backed me up,” Krediet said.

Krediet said its long been her goal to play college soccer.

“As soon as I was old enough to know what that was, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Krediet said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/matsu_sports.