Hinkelmon spends summer with semi-pro soccer team

By MaryKate McCann
August 29, 2012

Playing for the semi-pro soccer team, the Philadelphia Fever, was not even in her mind when she graduated from a small high school in Delran, N.J. But 2012 Cabrini alumna Kara Hinkelmon, a college stand-out, decided to pursue her dream this summer and tried out for the Fever.

During the last few months of her senior year, Hinkelmon received a call that put her plans of coaching at her old high school on hold. When Women’s Premier Soccer disbanded in the spring, a group decided to form a new professional league. Several of the teams were from the WPS, others were from the second-highest level of soccer for women, WPSL. They called the new league the WPSL ELITE. The WPSL ELITE features eight teams of which the Philadelphia Fever is the only NCAA-compliant team.

“I’d always hoped I would find a way to continue playing even if it was just an adult league,” Hinkelmon said. “It didn’t bother me at all that it was unpaid.”

The Fever was a new team that got put together quickly, making tryouts invitation only. Head coach Stuart Gore and assistant coach Jamie Scott are two men from England who have been surrounded by the game of soccer for a number of years and really know the game.

“First day of tryouts I was nervous and scared,” Hinkelmon said. “After making the first cut, I was called back again.”

Hinkelmon got the opportunity to play with players from Liberia, Canada, England and all over the United States.

“I know how much Kara loves the game of soccer,” father Fred Hinklemon said, “I thought it was a great opportunity.”

Hinkelmon’s parents knew it was a great idea and went to quite a few of Kara’s games, no matter how far the distance was.

“It’s a way for her to continue playing and experience the game at a high level,” mother Suzanne Hinkelmon said.

Having the motivation, experience and positive attitude has always helped Hinkelmon whenever she was on the field. She takes advantage of her powerful foot that intimidates her opponent to strengthen her teams potential to win.

“One of the most interesting things I experienced was being mobbed by little girls after games for autographs and pictures,” Hinklemon said. “Also getting to play in Boston with a crowd of 2,500+ was incredible.”

Hinkelmon traveled to many places including Chicago, Indianapolis, Boston, Maryland and Rochester.

“I loved spending time in Chicago,” Hinkelmon said. “We got to go to our goalkeeper’s house for a pasta party and spent time sightseeing and shopping.”

Hinkelmon helped the Cabrini Women’s soccer team take home two CSAC plaques while at Cabrini.

“All in all it was a great experience,” Hinklemon said. “Hopefully I continue playing soccer wherever I can.”

Kara Hinkelmon, a 2012 Cabrini graduate, played for the Philadelphia Fever this summer. In 95 games at Cabrini, she scored 40 goals and tallied 103 points. (Kara Hinkelmon / Submitted Photo)

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MaryKate McCann

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