ORONO, Maine – University of Maine women's soccer legend Abby Kraemer's jersey is set to officially be retired on Thursday, Oct. 30 when the Black Bears host New Hampshire at the New Balance Soccer Complex.

A formal unveiling of her retired number 12 jersey will take place during a pregame ceremony prior to the 6 p.m. America East contest. It was previously announced in February that Kraemer would become the first student-athlete in program history to have her jersey retired.

Kraemer is the only All-American in program history and leaves behind a remarkable legacy highlighted by two All-American honors, the 2025 America East Woman of the Year award, America East Striker and Scholar-Athlete of the Year accolades, an Academic All-American nod and the program's first-ever America East Championship and regular season titles. 

"Abby Kraemer is arguably the greatest player in UMaine women's soccer history," head coach Scott Atherley said in February, when Kraemer's jersey retirement was announced. "Her influence on our run of two consecutive America East championships and NCAA College Cup appearances was profound. More importantly, Abby was instrumental in transforming the culture of our program by consistently holding herself and her teammates to the highest standards of excellence, on and off of the field. Abby was the consummate student-athlete and teammate. An All-American on the field and in the classroom. Her sheer talent as a player is rivaled only by her competitive drive, relentless work ethic and selfless attitude."

Kraemer, who is now playing professionally in Norway, is the eighth female student-athlete to have their jersey retired. Former women's basketball coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie was most recently honored in 2009-10 while Jamie Cassidy and Heather Ernest were the most recent student-athletes to have their jerseys retired, in 2004-05.

"I'm incredibly honored to be having my jersey retired," Kraemer said in February. "Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and my family, as well as the unwavering support from all of Black Bear Nation. The achievements we made together as a team and a program are truly special. It was a privilege to wear the Maine jersey and to be part of such an incredible program." 

"I am grateful that we are able to honor Abby by retiring her jersey," added Atherley. "The distinction of being the first and only player in program history to have their jersey retired is a testament to Abby's impact and further cements her legacy as a member of our program."

"We are extremely excited to honor Abby by retiring her jersey - the first in the history of our women's soccer program," said Athletic Director Jude Killy in February. "She perfectly reflects our mission and core values - on and off the field - and played a leading role in creating the start of the greatest team run in the history of our program. We are so thankful for her contributions, and to all the student-athletes who helped us win back-to-back titles in unprecedented fashion. Abby's accomplishments and accolades along the way are unmatched and have set a new standard for our program with both individual and team success."

For a full list of Maine's retired jerseys, click here.

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