ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Lewis University women's soccer head coach Chris Koenig announced on Wednesday (June 13) that he's hired Courtney Raetzman as a graduate assistant coach. She comes to Lewis after playing one season for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

"I couldn't be happier to have Courtney joining our staff," Koenig said.  "Courtney has been successful at every stop in her soccer career.  She brings valuable experience both from her time as a professional as well as her career at Kentucky.  

"Not only has Courtney been successful on the field but the impact she has as a leader is immeasurable," he continued.  "Courtney will be an extremely valuable member of our staff and I'm positive our players will benefit from her being part of the Lewis Women's Soccer Family."

""I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join the Lewis Women's Soccer family while pursuing further education," Raetzman said. "Soccer has been a lifelong passion of mine, so to stay involved brings me great excitement. I look forward to getting started with such a great group of student-athletes and staff."

Raetzman, a native of Elk Grove, Ill., was drafted 32^nd overall by the Red Stars in the 2016 NWSL draft and appeared in six games. She participated in weekly community appearances and various community service activities with the team. Raetzman helped lead four Red Star soccer clinics in local neighborhoods. She was also a key member of the Chicago Red Stars Reserves who won the 2015 Women's Professional Soccer League (WPSL) National Title.

She started all 70 games and played over 6,000 minutes on the pitch in her career at Kentucky, which is good for a top-10 spot all-time at UK in minutes played. Raetzman scored 12 goals, had 16 assists and registered over 100 shots in her time with the Wildcats.

She was named to the Southeastern Conference's All-Freshman Team in 2012 and was a two-time First Team All-SEC selection in 2014 and 2015. In her senior season she scored three goals, including the game-winner against No. 20 Washington in the season opening match, assisted on seven goals and tallied a total of 13 points on 24 shots.

Raetzman has also spent time playing at the International level as a member of the Illinois State and Olympic Development team. She was also a member of the Under-14, Under-15 and Under-18 U.S. Youth Women's National Team.

Raetzman earned All-Conference, All-Region and All-State accolades all four years at James B. Conant High School. She was named the ESPN High School Gatorade Illinois Girls Soccer Player of the Year in 2012.

Raetzman has a bachelor's degree in communications from Kentucky.