March 30, 2010

Notre Dame, Ind. – For Monogram Club board member Kate Markgraf, soccer has given her the opportunity to travel the world while playing the game she loves. Since graduating from Notre Dame in 1998, she has embarked on one of the most successful careers in the history of women’s soccer. She is a three-time Olympic medalist, capturing gold at the 2004 games in Athens and the 2008 Beijing games, and was a member of the historic 1999 Women’s World Cup championship team.

On March 24, Markgraf returned to her alma mater as a member of the Chicago Red Stars for an exhibition match against the Notre Dame women’s soccer team.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to play at Alumni Field since graduating,” Markgraf said. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to play another game here.”

Markgraf, who last played at Alumni Field 12 years ago, did not have any memories of her college career rushing through her mind as she took the field. However, that didn’t stop some of her Red Stars’ teammates from having a little fun at her expense.

“Some of my teammates jokingly told me before the game that if they are 33 years-old and playing against their alma mater they would wonder things went wrong,” Markgraf said. “Obviously I look at things differently but it was funny to hear that prior to warm ups.”

Markgraf and the Chicago Red Stars will open their 2010 regular season on April 11th against Sky Blue F.C.