Fsu's Kallman Named Semifinalist For Mac

Published 11:07 PM EST Dec 3, 2015 Almost once a week, Western New York Flash midfielder Becky Edwards calls her college coach, FSU's Mark Krikorian. Edwards, who left FSU in 2009 to start her professional career, still seeks the advice of one of Florida State University's most successful coaches.

Sometimes the call is to shoot the breeze. Sometimes it's to break down what's happening on the field. But Edwards – like many of FSU's past and present women's soccer players – is always comfortable talking to the man some Seminoles say is a 'coach for life.'

'There's quality in his leadership,' Edwards said. 'A lot of times, in the women's league, the college side has more resources.

Mark uses every resource he can to make sure his team is successful. He treats his players like pros in terms of the play on the field and the expectations off the field.' Krikorian, a 55-year-old Malden, Massachusetts, native, came to FSU in 2005, after coaching the United States U-19 National Team to a bronze medal in the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. During his first 10 years with Florida State, the Seminoles made the Women's College Cup, the semifinals of the NCAA tournament, seven times. The Seminoles make their fifth consecutive Cup appearance, Krikorian's eighth overall, at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Duke in Cary, N.C. The expectations for the team are the same each season – the group prepares for each game without thinking about what's coming next.

'The only thing that's on my mind right now is making sure that our players have a proper meal, have proper recovery, get a good night's sleep and are back to their level of focus,' Krikorian said after the Seminole clinched a fifth-straight trip to the Cup by defeating Texas A&M 5-0. That's his typical message. The Seminoles have had a laser focus on Duke since the Blue Devils dropped Stanford in the quarterfinals. Recruiting made easy Part of the reason for Krikorian's sustained success at Florida State is his ability to reload the team with top talent.

Last season, the Seminoles were anchored by midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir. The Hella, Iceland, native racked up accolades in her senior season and was a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy – college soccer's highest honor. The question of who would replace her in the middle of the field was quickly answered.

Freshman Megan Connolly stepped into the role and leads the Seminoles in points (goals and assists combined). She's a Hermann Trophy semifinalist.

Connolly is part of a stellar freshman class that has scored 31 goals this season. 'They're all looking at, as they're making their decision, the opportunity to have good experiences and to develop,' Krikorian said. 'We have a reasonably good record of helping players develop. They're coming in here with intent of wanting to get better.' He added, 'In the meantime, they're coming in here and they're outstanding students. They have great character. It's a real win-win.

We talk to kids about the soccer part, but this is a great chance to get an education.' In theory, there's a downside for the players who have to sacrifice personal glory. Penn State and Rutgers are the other two team's in this year's Women's College Cup.

The Nittany Lions, the Blue Devils and the Scarlet Knights all have one or two star players who score and create most of their goals. FSU has 10 players with at least 11 points. '(Krikorian) creates that culture on the team without you knowing it,' Edwards said. 'You want to be successful for the team. It's a team effort to be successful. He creates that with the way he teaches soccer.

He really breaks the game down to the smallest details and that helps the team buy in.' Possession-oriented team Florida State plays possession soccer. Basically, the Seminoles look to hang on to the ball as much as possible, not let teams score on the counterattack and get plenty of shots on goal. It's a style not everyone can execute.

It's what makes the Seminoles so dangerous under Krikorian, said former player Kassey Kallman, who now plays professionally for the Boston Breakers. 'I think a lot of teams want to play that way and hope to,' Kallman said. 'Florida State's staff is very good at bringing a roster together and getting a team to work very well together. That's something that made transitioning into professional easy. I felt I was very prepared coming from FSU because that's how all of the pro teams play.' The Seminoles' style makes for flashy, high-scoring games, but also leads to strong defense. Forwards are part of the defensive scheme, forcing the ball to one side of the field before opposing players can reach the mid-backs or defenders.

It's working well – the Seminoles haven't allowed an NCAA tournament goal since 2013. Texas A&M, a team that was in the College Cup in 2014, only managed three shots in its quarterfinal match with the Seminoles. Story continues below.

FSU had 21 shots in that game. Krikorian has a relatively simple breakdown for why is team is so focused on possession. 'When we get a hold of the ball that means the other team doesn't have the ball,' Krikorian said. 'The more we have it, the less opportunities they have on our goal.' Professional environment Freshman Elin Jensen said Krikorian's level of professionalism was evident from the moment she stepped on campus. 'The whole staff, they're just working their butts off every day,' said the native of Reykjavik, Iceland.

'They're continuously trying to make us better. They're trying to show us ways we can do things and that has helped me, personally. It builds a self-confidence for the players to have those kinds of surroundings. The professionalism is the best I've ever seen in soccer.' Kallman said Krikorian has a to-the-point message for incoming players. 'He tells you when you come to Florida State, you're not there for a regular college experience,' she said.

'You're there to win national championships. You know what to expect and every year it's the same thing.'

Senior Cheyna Williams, who came to Florida State last season after transferring from Vanderbilt, said Krikorian's professionalism is matched by Florida State's facilities. Williams leads the Seminoles with 10 goals. The Seminole Soccer Complex, built in 1998, serves as FSU's training facility and home stadium. Krikorian frequently talks of the quality of the facility, and average home attendance has been at least 1,000 fans in each of the last three seasons. 'Facilities here are top-class,' Williams said.

'When you have a cold tub you could literally swim in, it just makes life a lot easier. People can get in and out. There's all this different technology that's really helped us stay healthy throughout the year.' After FSU's quarterfinal thumping of Texas A&M last weekend, Krikorian stood in the state-of-the-art Seminole Soccer Complex. Typically, he's reserved and not very demonstrative. But that day, when describing the complex, Krikorian gestured, pointing to flat screen TVs and the Seminoles National Championship trophy. 'This is an easy place to recruit to.

We've got great facilities. We've got a great administrative team,' he said, his arms in constant motion. 'We've got great academic support. We've got great media guys. What more could you ask for?' 'In your life forever' Kallman and Edwards both said their days at Florida State were special, thanks to the team and to Krikorian.

'He's one of the most hardworking coaches I've ever played for,' Edwards said. 'I talk to Mark once a week and he still continues to be a great mentor for me.

I follow the team and watch games when I can. I still see what he's trying to point out to the players and I can still see his teaching ways and his leadership style.' Kallman, who just wrapped up her second season in the pros, said there are times when she longs to play for Krikorian again. She's not surprised by Krikorian's sustained success and is looking forward to seeing more from Florida State's growing soccer dynasty. 'I couldn't have asked for a better coach,' she said. 'He's the best coach I've ever had and I don't think I'll have anyone better.

I selfishly wish he'd go to the pros so I could play for him again, but my four years are up. 'He's not just your coach just for four years, he's in your life forever.' Jordan Culver can be contacted at jculver@tallahassee.com or @JordanCulver on Twitter.

BOYDS, MD (Nov. 17, 2016) – The Washington Spirit has acquired midfielder Kristie Mewis and defender Kassey Kallman from Boston Breakers as well as the No. 1 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order.

In exchange, Boston will receive defender Megan Oyster, the Spirit’s Nos. 3 and 9 overall picks in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and the No. 2 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order. This is the third major trade since the Spirit fell just seconds shy of winning the NWSL Championship match last month.

The Spirit acquired two major components in those first two transactions that were used in this third. 3 overall draft pick was secured last week from Seattle Reign FC, while the No. 2 position in Distribution Ranking Order came in the initial offseason trade that saw Ali Krieger head to Orlando Pride. The move to No. 1 in Distribution Ranking Order means Washington would land the services of a new federation player to the league, such as a newly contracted U.S. Or Canada International not already with an NWSL team.

Mewis has 15 caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team, making her first appearance on February 9, 2013. During the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany, she played every minute of all four matches while scoring a goal and two assists. The midfielder also played for the U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 U.S.

National Teams. “We feel that Kristie Mewis was one of top attacking players available in this offseason,” said Spirit general manager and head coach Jim Gabarra. “She brings a world class left foot as well as a very good understanding of our league’s challenges. Her ability to score goals and create off set pieces is a huge asset.

We look forward to having Kristie as part of the Spirit.” Mewis began her NWSL career with FC Kansas City in 2013 before becoming part of the Boston Breakers for the 2014 season. In 2014, she scored three goals and tallied two assists in her 17 appearances. The Hanson, MA native started every match for the Breakers in 2015. In 2016, the former Boston College standout played in 14 games, scoring one goal and one assist.

As a senior at Boston College, Mewis was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, an NSCAA First-Team All-America selection, and named to the All-ACC First-Team. She ended her college career with 39 goals, 28 assists, and nine game-winning goals, making her Boston College’s all-time leading scorer with 106 total points. “I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Washington Spirit organization,” said Mewis. “The team has been undeniably one of the best groups in the NWSL. It’s an opportunity for me to grow and become a better player.

I’m looking forward to starting with this talented group and eager for the 2017 season.” Kallman was drafted 5th overall by FC Kansas City in the 2014 NWSL College Draft and started 18 matches on the way to Kansas City’s 2014 NWSL Championship. After being traded to Boston Breakers in the offseason, the defender started all 40 matches of the 2015-2016 seasons for the Breakers.

Fsu Kallman Named Semifinalist For Mac 2017

“Kassey is a player that I think all NWSL coaches and general managers perceive as one of the top defenders in the country,” said Gabarra. “She comes from having a strong college career at FSU and has built upon that to be a reliable and consistent defender in the NWSL. Kassey solidifies our defense, and we look forward to her continued development here with the Spirit.”. Kallman served as captain for her Florida State University team for 2012 and 2013. The former Nole was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and Honda Award finalist, both in 2013, and the first player from Florida State to be named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, also in 2013. The Woodbury, MN native has also participated with the U-23 and U-20 U.S. Women’s National Teams and was a member of the 2012 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Championship team.

Fsu's Kallman Named Semifinalist For Mac

“In the past three years I have played in this league, Washington Spirit has always been a team I admired,” said Kallman. “Their talent, work ethic, and ability to play as a team is top class and something I’m very excited to be a part of.” The Spirit selected Megan Oyster with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft. She became the first player in Spirit history to play every minute of every game of a single season – as a rookie – and was voted Defender of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for the Spirit.

In 2016, the Naperville, Ill native started in 15 regular season matches plus the NWSL Championship. Oyster is currently on loan with the Newcastle Jets of the Australian W-League. “The entire Spirit organization wants to thank Meg for her contributions over the past two seasons to the Spirit,” said Gabarra. “We know that she has developed in those two years and has the potential to become even better.

We hope this change provides Meg with the opportunity to continue to play consistently and reach her potential.” Full Name: Kristie Mewis Position: Midfielder Hometown: Hanson, MA Birthdate: 2/25/1991 Age: 25 Height: 5’ 7” Full Name: Kassey Kallman Position: Defender Hometown: Woodbury, MN Birthdate: 5/6/1992 Age: 24 Height: 5’ 8” Transaction: Washington Spirit acquires Kristie Mewis, Kassey Kallman, and the No. 1 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order from Boston Breakers in exchange for Megan Oyster, the Spirit’s Nos.

3 and 9 overall picks in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, and the No. 2 spot in the Distribution Ranking Order.