Countdown to Playoffs: Jeff Kraft
Photo credit: Reid Sprenkel (www.reidjsphoto.com)
JEFF KRAFT
ASSISTANT COACH
Kraft, who joined the Soul in December 2012, possesses over 25 years of indoor soccer experience. Prior to the Soul, he served as head coach for the Rockford Rampage and Chicago Riot, and assistant coach for the Chicago Storm. Kraft has earned several honors throughout his coaching career, including the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) Coach of the Year in 2009, the American Indoor Soccer League (AISL) Coach of the Year in 2008, and the AISL Runner Up Coach of the Year in 2007.
Season Highlights
Under Kraft’s watch, the Soul have gone 8-6 so far this season, allowing them to move from last place in league standings to playoff position.
Getting to Know a Soul
Age I started playing soccer: 10
Years played professionally: 4
Years coached professionally: 4
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite movie: The Warriors
Celebrity crush: Alyssa Milano
If I could have one superpower, it would be: Help the homeless.
Someone (dead or alive) I wish I could meet: Elvis Presley
Someone I look up to: God
If I wasn’t coaching, I would be: Trying to get my wife and son to move to Hawaii.
My pre-game rituals / superstitions: None
Most memorable moment with the Soul: Getting my first win with Novi (against the then-undefeated Baltimore Blast).
Proudest moment as a member of the Soul: When I wrestled Eric Lukin, Marco Sullo and Fred Degand on the bus, and won (3-on-1).
What I hope to be remembered for / The legacy I hope to leave behind: Honesty
Advice for aspiring soccer players: Don’t think, just play. Don’t try to complicate the game.
