Kretzer Adjusting Well to Division I Soccer

By Peter Leithauser
Strategic Communications Graduate Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – When Rachel Kretzer steps onto the field, she always carries a promise she made to herself.

A native of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Kretzer initially committed to Summit League member St. Thomas University in Minnesota late during her senior year of high school.

Then, plans suddenly changed.

"They called and were pretty much like, we don't think you're good enough to play here and you don't have a roster spot anymore," Kretzer said. "At that time, my confidence was low and I really questioned if I could play Division I soccer."

Kretzer had to restart the recruiting process and that's when Southeast Missouri came into the picture.

"I felt like the coaching staff really believed in me and valued me as a player," she said. "They wanted me in their program and that stood out over other schools that recruited me."

For Kretzer, SEMO checked every box. A staff that trusted her, a campus close enough for her parents to attend games and a rare academic offering in actuarial science.

She didn't take long to turn her second chance into something special.

As a freshman in 2025, Kretzer earned a starting role and played the third-most minutes on the team under then first-year Head Coach John Klein. She saw action in 19 games and logged 17 starts racking up 1490 minutes between the backline and midfield. Kretzer had one assist, as well.

"If you just look at my stats, it looks like college soccer has come easy for me," Kretzer said. "But in reality, I've gone through a lot of ups and downs."

Kretzer begins her sophomore campaign as one of the Redhawks' most reliable players among the Ohio Valley Conference Players to Watch this preseason.

"I promised myself I was going to prove anyone wrong who doubted me and thought I couldn't be a Division I soccer player," added Kretzer.

Kretzer credits her team's culture and the people around her as the main driving force that makes SEMO the right fit.

"My teammates and coaches definitely make this a special place," she said.

Kretzer has a family that has been with her for every step of her journey too. Her parents make a two-hour drive to nearly every one of her games.

Her dad, a former college soccer player himself, instilled a lifelong love for the game and pushes Kretzer to be better, while her mom equally provides unwavering support.

"They remind me that I'm more than just a soccer player," Kretzer said. "They also remind me that despite what is happening on the field I have so much more to be thankful for off of it."

That type of support has fueled Kretzer's work ethic through soccer, college and life itself.

"I hope people remember my hardworking personality and the kind of teammate I am. I will always give 110 percent in every drill, every class and have my teammates' backs," she said.

SEMO opens its 2026 season when it hosts longtime rival Southern Illinois Thursday. Start time is set for 6 p.m., CT at Houck Field.

Players Mentioned

Rachel Kretzer

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