Kristen Kemp
Real Colorado U-7 through U-18
D-1 Soccer Scholarship to Wake Forest University
All-ACC Academic Team
Honor’s Program, Health and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science Health and Exercise Science, 2007
Cum Laude
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Regis University
American Physical Therapy Association Student Special Interest Group
Student Ambassador, Regis University


My experience at Real shaped both my childhood and young adulthood as I prepared for college and life in the “real world” (no pun intended)!  As a member of a team, I learned the value of commitment, selflessness, work ethic, time management, confidence and leadership.  While these skills developed on the soccer field, they are the skills that I have carried with me after leaving Real.  Real encouraged me to set an example for my teammates and community both on and off the field and to this day I consider myself a reflection of the goals and values of Real Colorado soccer. 

I could not imagine my life without soccer.  Soccer gave me an identity in a world of peer pressure and insecurity.  My achievements in soccer defined my personality, values and goals and I loved the feeling of accomplishment after hours of training in preparation for a single game or tournament.  Being part of a team is being a part of something so much bigger than yourself.  Every decision, both on and off the soccer field, impacted my team and I was determined to never let them down.  My performance was a reflection of twenty other people and it was my responsibility to positively represent my teammates and coaches.  Some of my closest friends to this day are my former Real teammates.

All of my coaches at Real helped shape me into the player that I was and the person that I have become.  Jared Spires believed in me before I believed in myself and he invested countless hours into helping me realize my dreams.  He played a huge roll in my development as an athlete, but also in my growth as a person.  Jared gave me the confidence to achieve my goals in soccer but also to carry myself with integrity and pride in anything that I do.  Lorne Donaldson brought his sense of humor to every training and showed me the joy and simplicity in the game of soccer.  Lorne and Frank Kohlenstein were invaluable during the college recruitment process, serving as mediators during an overwhelming time in my life. 

My greatest hurdle occurred during my senior year of high school when I tore my ACL just months before my career was to begin at Wake Forest.  Aside from the physical pain of the injury, the emotional impact was the most trying time in my life.  It was a loss of identity and for the first time, I experienced soccer from the sideline.  During my freshman year at Wake, I was able to play in the final six games of the season but not without feeling the residual effects of the injury.  I was never the same player after the surgery, but I believe this happened to me for a reason.  The injury showed me that there is more to life than soccer.  It forced me to explore other opportunities that interested and fulfilled me off the soccer field and ultimately led me to pursue my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University.  My goal is to inspire and support others as they return to competition and to encourage them to never give up on their dreams.  As a physical therapist, I hope to provide the perspective that as a former collegiate athlete, I understand the love of sport and competition but also recognize that we are defined by far more than our accomplishments on the field.

**Kristen’s passion for soccer and life is seen in her everyday activities.  While grad school leaves little free time, Kristen and former Real teammate Candice compete in weekly coed soccer games.  Kristen is still a Real fixture at her brother’s games, cheering on our Academy teams.  Next on her schedule- a January, 2010 wedding to fellow Wake Forest alum and MLS player Julian Valentin.