Rachel Kretzer grew up in Glen Carbon, Illinois, nurturing a dream of playing Division I soccer that led her to commit to St. Thomas University in Minnesota.
Her freshman year at St. Thomas was supposed to be the start of a promising collegiate career, but the university later informed her that roster limitations had forced a reversal, leaving her without a spot on the team.
Rather than abandoning her goal, Kretzer used the setback as motivation, re‑engaging with recruiters and eventually catching the eye of Southeast Missouri State University, a program that saw in her the tenacity and skill it needed.
When the 2025 season began, Kretzer stepped onto the pitch as a freshman and quickly proved her worth, appearing in 19 games, starting 17 of them, and logging 1,490 minutes of play.
Her impact was not limited to minutes on the field; she recorded a single assist and helped shape a defensive line that contributed to the team's overall competitiveness.
A Freshman with Immediate Influence
Coach John Klein praised her adaptability, noting that her work ethic and tactical awareness allowed her to earn a regular spot in the lineup despite the typical adjustment period for newcomers.
The university recognized her potential by naming her one of the Ohio Valley Conference Players to Watch for the upcoming sophomore campaign, a testament to the promise she showed in her debut year.
Off the field, Kretzer leans on a strong support network. Her parents, who have always encouraged her ambitions, attend nearly every game, with her father—a former college soccer player—offering both emotional and technical guidance.
She frequently cites the culture cultivated by her teammates and the mentorship of her coaches as key factors in her rapid development, emphasizing that the collective belief in each other fuels individual growth.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The 2026 schedule opens with a rivalry match against Southern Illinois University at Houck Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, set for Thursday at 6 p.m. Central Time, a game that will test the team's early chemistry and Kretzer's continued evolution.
As the season unfolds, Kretzer remains focused on building on her freshman foundation, aiming to contribute more offensively while maintaining the defensive reliability that earned her early playing time.