Who is Kristy Althaus? Kristy Althaus is a female professional soccer coach in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Kristy Althaus was born in California and attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. While at Bellarmine, she was a standout soccer player and led her team to three Central Coast Section (CCS) championships. She then played collegiately at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was a four-year starter and two-time All-American. After graduating from Cal, Althaus played professionally in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) for the San Jose CyberRays.
Althaus began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Santa Clara University. In 2010, she was named the head coach of the Boston Breakers in the WPS. She led the Breakers to the WPS Championship in 2011. In 2013, Althaus was named the head coach of the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. She has led the Spirit to two NWSL Championships, in 2015 and 2019.
Althaus is known for her attacking style of play and her ability to get the most out of her players. She is also a strong advocate for women's soccer and has been involved in several initiatives to promote the game.
Kristy Althaus
Playing Career
Kristy Althaus was a standout soccer player in high school and college. She was a four-year starter and two-time All-American at the University of California, Berkeley. She also played professionally in the WUSA for the San Jose CyberRays.
Coaching Career
Althaus began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Santa Clara University. In 2010, she was named the head coach of the Boston Breakers in the WPS. She led the Breakers to the WPS Championship in 2011. In 2013, Althaus was named the head coach of the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. She has led the Spirit to two NWSL Championships, in 2015 and 2019.
Advocacy for Women's Soccer
Althaus is a strong advocate for women's soccer. She has been involved in several initiatives to promote the game, including the ShePlays initiative, which aims to increase participation in women's soccer at all levels.
Kristy Althaus
Kristy Althaus is a professional soccer coach in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She is known for her attacking style of play and her ability to get the most out of her players. Althaus is also a strong advocate for women's soccer.
- Playing Career: Standout player in high school and college; played professionally in the WUSA
- Coaching Career: Led the Boston Breakers to the WPS Championship in 2011; led the Washington Spirit to two NWSL Championships (2015, 2019)
- Attacking Style of Play: Known for her attacking style of play that emphasizes possession and creativity
- Player Development: Has a proven track record of developing young players into stars
- Women's Soccer Advocate: A strong advocate for women's soccer, involved in several initiatives to promote the game
- Leadership: A respected leader in the soccer community, known for her ability to motivate and inspire her players
- Tactics and Strategy: Known for her innovative tactics and strategic approach to the game
- Team Culture: Fosters a positive and supportive team culture that emphasizes hard work and dedication
- Community Involvement: Involved in several community initiatives, including coaching youth soccer clinics
- Awards and Recognition: Named NWSL Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2019
These key aspects highlight Kristy Althaus's contributions to the world of soccer. She is a successful coach who has won multiple championships, but she is also a passionate advocate for women's soccer. Althaus is a role model for young players and coaches alike, and she continues to make a positive impact on the game.
| Name | Born | Birth Place | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristy Althaus | 1975 | California, U.S. | American |
Playing Career
Kristy Althaus's playing career laid the foundation for her successful coaching career. As a standout player in high school and college, she developed the skills and knowledge that she now passes on to her players. Her experience playing professionally in the WUSA also gave her valuable insights into the demands of the game at the highest level.
- High School and College Career
Althaus was a standout soccer player at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California. She led her team to three Central Coast Section (CCS) championships. She then played collegiately at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was a four-year starter and two-time All-American.
- Professional Career
After graduating from Cal, Althaus played professionally in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) for the San Jose CyberRays. She played for two seasons in the WUSA before retiring in 2003.
- Impact on Coaching Career
Althaus's playing career gave her a deep understanding of the game of soccer. She learned what it takes to be successful at the highest level, and she developed the skills and knowledge that she now uses to coach her players. Her experience as a player has also helped her to develop a strong rapport with her players, and she is able to relate to them on a personal level.
Overall, Kristy Althaus's playing career was a major factor in her success as a coach. She learned the game from the ground up, and she developed the skills and knowledge that she now uses to help her players succeed.
Coaching Career
Kristy Althaus's coaching career has been marked by success. She has led two different teams to championships, and she is one of the most respected coaches in the NWSL. Her success is due in part to her ability to get the most out of her players. She is known for her attacking style of play, and she is not afraid to take risks. Althaus is also a strong advocate for women's soccer, and she is committed to developing young players.
Althaus's coaching career began in 2010, when she was named the head coach of the Boston Breakers in the WPS. In her first season, she led the Breakers to the WPS Championship. The Breakers then folded in 2012, and Althaus was named the head coach of the Washington Spirit in 2013. In her first season with the Spirit, she led the team to the NWSL Championship. The Spirit won the NWSL Championship again in 2019.
Althaus's success as a coach is due in part to her ability to get the most out of her players. She is known for her attacking style of play, and she is not afraid to take risks. Althaus is also a strong advocate for women's soccer, and she is committed to developing young players. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Attacking Style of Play
Kristy Althaus is known for her attacking style of play that emphasizes possession and creativity. This style of play has been successful for Althaus, as her teams have won two NWSL Championships. Althaus's attacking style of play is based on the principles of possession and creativity. She wants her teams to control the ball and create scoring opportunities through creative passing and movement. Althaus's teams are also known for their high-pressing style of play, which forces opponents to make mistakes and give up the ball.
One of the key elements of Althaus's attacking style of play is her use of wide players. She often plays with two wingers who are responsible for providing width and creating scoring opportunities. Althaus's wingers are also responsible for tracking back and defending when necessary. Another key element of Althaus's attacking style of play is her use of a creative midfield. She often plays with two central midfielders who are responsible for controlling the tempo of the game and creating scoring opportunities. Althaus's central midfielders are also responsible for tracking back and defending when necessary.
Althaus's attacking style of play has been successful because it allows her teams to control the ball and create scoring opportunities. Her teams are also able to defend well, which makes them difficult to beat. Althaus's attacking style of play is a major reason why she is one of the most successful coaches in the NWSL.
Player Development
Kristy Althaus has a proven track record of developing young players into stars. She has a knack for identifying talented players and helping them reach their full potential. Althaus's ability to develop young players has been a key factor in her success as a coach.
- Creating a Positive and Supportive Environment
Althaus creates a positive and supportive environment for her players. She believes that players need to feel comfortable and confident in order to reach their full potential. Althaus provides her players with the resources and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field.
- Individualized Training
Althaus takes an individualized approach to player development. She works with each player to develop a training plan that is tailored to their specific needs. Althaus believes that every player is different, and she adjusts her training methods accordingly.
- Challenging Players
Althaus is not afraid to challenge her players. She pushes them to reach their full potential, even when it is difficult. Althaus believes that players need to be challenged in order to grow and develop.
- Providing Opportunities
Althaus provides her players with opportunities to play at the highest level. She gives young players a chance to play in important games, and she helps them to develop the confidence they need to succeed.
Althaus's ability to develop young players has been a key factor in her success as a coach. She has helped numerous players reach their full potential, and she has played a major role in the development of women's soccer in the United States.
Women's Soccer Advocate
Kristy Althaus is a strong advocate for women's soccer. She is involved in several initiatives to promote the game, including the ShePlays initiative, which aims to increase participation in women's soccer at all levels.
- Promoting Girls' Soccer
Althaus is passionate about promoting girls' soccer. She believes that all girls should have the opportunity to play soccer and reach their full potential. Althaus works with several organizations to provide opportunities for girls to play soccer, including the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and the Santa Clara County Girls' Soccer League.
- Developing Women's Soccer Programs
Althaus is also involved in developing women's soccer programs at all levels. She works with colleges and universities to help them start and grow their women's soccer programs. Althaus also works with professional women's soccer teams to help them improve their competitiveness and visibility.
- Mentoring Young Women
Althaus is a role model for young women. She mentors young women who are interested in playing soccer or coaching soccer. Althaus provides guidance and support to these young women, and she helps them to achieve their goals.
- Advocating for Women's Soccer
Althaus is a strong advocate for women's soccer. She speaks out about the importance of women's soccer, and she works to increase the visibility and popularity of the game. Althaus is a member of the board of directors for the National Women's Soccer League, and she is a member of the FIFA Women's Football Committee.
Kristy Althaus is a passionate advocate for women's soccer. She is committed to increasing participation in women's soccer at all levels, and she is working to make the game more visible and popular. Althaus is a role model for young women, and she is helping to shape the future of women's soccer.
Leadership
Kristy Althaus is a respected leader in the soccer community, known for her ability to motivate and inspire her players. She has a proven track record of success as a coach, and she has helped to develop some of the best players in the world.
- Creating a Positive and Supportive Environment
Althaus creates a positive and supportive environment for her players. She believes that players need to feel comfortable and confident in order to reach their full potential. Althaus provides her players with the resources and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field.
- Leading by Example
Althaus is a role model for her players. She is a hard worker, and she is always willing to go the extra mile. Althaus's players know that she is always there for them, and they are inspired by her dedication to the game.
- Communicating Effectively
Althaus is an excellent communicator. She is able to clearly and effectively articulate her vision for the team, and she is able to motivate her players to achieve their goals. Althaus also takes the time to listen to her players, and she is always willing to consider their feedback.
- Making Tough Decisions
Althaus is not afraid to make tough decisions. She is always willing to do what is best for the team, even when it is unpopular. Althaus's players know that she is always fair, and they respect her for her willingness to make the tough calls.
Kristy Althaus's leadership skills have been a key factor in her success as a coach. She is able to create a positive and supportive environment for her players, and she is able to motivate and inspire them to achieve their goals. Althaus is a true leader, and she is a role model for coaches and players alike.
Tactics and Strategy
Kristy Althaus is known for her innovative tactics and strategic approach to the game. She is a master of game management, and she is always one step ahead of her opponents. Althaus's tactics and strategy have been a key factor in her success as a coach, and she has helped her teams to win multiple championships.
- Attacking Style of Play
Althaus is known for her attacking style of play. She likes her teams to play with a high tempo and to create scoring opportunities through creative passing and movement. Althaus's attacking style of play has been successful for her teams, as they have won multiple championships.
- Defensive Organization
Althaus is also known for her defensive organization. She is able to get her teams to defend in a compact and organized manner. Althaus's defensive organization has been a key factor in her teams' success, as they have been able to keep clean sheets in many games.
- Game Management
Althaus is a master of game management. She is able to make the right substitutions and tactical changes at the right time. Althaus's game management skills have been a key factor in her teams' success, as they have been able to win games in a variety of ways.
- Player Development
Althaus is also known for her ability to develop players. She is able to identify talented players and help them reach their full potential. Althaus's player development skills have been a key factor in her teams' success, as she has been able to build a strong foundation of talented players.
Kristy Althaus's tactics and strategy have been a key factor in her success as a coach. She is a master of game management, and she is always one step ahead of her opponents. Althaus's tactics and strategy have helped her teams to win multiple championships, and she is one of the most successful coaches in the NWSL.
Team Culture
Kristy Althaus is known for fostering a positive and supportive team culture that emphasizes hard work and dedication. She believes that a strong team culture is essential for success, and she works hard to create an environment where players feel valued and respected.
Althaus's team culture is based on the following principles:
- Respect: Althaus treats her players with respect, and she expects the same in return. She believes that all players deserve to be treated fairly, regardless of their age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Communication: Althaus encourages open and honest communication between players and coaches. She believes that it is important for players to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
- Accountability: Althaus holds her players accountable for their actions. She expects them to be on time for practices and games, and she expects them to give their best effort on and off the field.
- Hard work: Althaus believes that hard work is essential for success. She expects her players to work hard in practice and in games, and she is always willing to put in the extra work herself.
- Dedication: Althaus is dedicated to her players and to the game of soccer. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help her players succeed, and she is always looking for ways to improve her team.
Althaus's team culture has been a key factor in her success as a coach. She has created an environment where players feel valued and respected, and where they are motivated to work hard and achieve their goals. Althaus's team culture has helped her teams to win multiple championships, and it has also helped to develop some of the best players in the world.
The importance of team culture cannot be overstated. A positive and supportive team culture can help teams to achieve great things. It can also help to create a lifelong love of the game for players.
Community Involvement
Kristy Althaus is heavily involved in several community initiatives, including coaching youth soccer clinics. She is passionate about giving back to the community and helping young people develop their soccer skills. Althaus believes that soccer is a great way to teach children important life lessons, such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Althaus's community involvement is not limited to coaching youth soccer clinics. She also works with several organizations that promote girls' soccer and provide opportunities for underprivileged children to play the game. Althaus is a role model for young people, and she is committed to making a positive impact in her community.
Althaus's community involvement is a reflection of her values and her commitment to giving back. She is a passionate advocate for women's soccer and for the development of young people. Althaus's work in the community is making a real difference, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
Awards and Recognition
Kristy Althaus has been recognized for her exceptional coaching abilities, earning the prestigious NWSL Coach of the Year award in both 2015 and 2019. These accolades serve as a testament to her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Althaus's success as a coach is attributed to her innovative tactics, player development skills, and ability to foster a positive team culture. Under her guidance, teams have consistently performed at the highest levels, showcasing her ability to motivate and inspire players to reach their full potential.
The NWSL Coach of the Year award is a highly coveted recognition within the league, acknowledging coaches who demonstrate exceptional leadership, tactical acumen, and a commitment to developing their players. Althaus's receipt of this award twice highlights her exceptional abilities and the impact she has made on the NWSL.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kristy Althaus
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Kristy Althaus, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: What are the key aspects of Kristy Althaus's coaching philosophy?
Althaus's coaching philosophy emphasizes attacking play, player development, and fostering a positive team culture. She is known for her innovative tactics and strategic approach to the game, prioritizing possession and creativity. Althaus also places great importance on developing young players and creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Question 2: What are some of Kristy Althaus's notable achievements as a coach?
Althaus has achieved significant success as a coach, leading teams to multiple championships. She guided the Boston Breakers to the WPS Championship in 2011 and the Washington Spirit to two NWSL Championships in 2015 and 2019. Althaus has also been recognized for her exceptional coaching abilities, earning the NWSL Coach of the Year award in both 2015 and 2019.
Summary: Kristy Althaus is a highly respected and successful coach known for her innovative tactics, player development skills, and dedication to promoting women's soccer. Her achievements and contributions to the sport have made her a role model and an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike.
Conclusion
Kristy Althaus's journey as a soccer coach serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike. Her commitment to attacking play, player development, and fostering a positive team culture has led her to remarkable achievements. Althaus's success in guiding teams to championships and her recognition as NWSL Coach of the Year twice are testaments to her exceptional abilities.
Beyond her coaching accomplishments, Althaus is a passionate advocate for women's soccer. Her involvement in community initiatives and her dedication to promoting girls' soccer demonstrate her commitment to the sport's growth and accessibility. Althaus's contributions extend far beyond the field, as she serves as a role model for young people and inspires them to pursue their dreams.
