For the second time in the past three years, Theresa Echtermeyer is stepping down from her coaching duties.
Echtermeyer, who headed Green Mountain High School’s girls soccer team for seven years and two state titles until leaving after the 2001 season, announced July 24 that she won’t be coaching the W-League Denver Lady Cougars next summer.
“In 20 years of coaching I’ve never had a summer off,” Echtermeyer said after her Cougars wrapped up a 6-4-2 season record with a 5-0 shutout of the Mile High Mustangs at Shea Stadium in Highlands Ranch. “The organization will still be around. We aren’t going anywhere.”
Echtermeyer, who also owns the Cougars, plans to stay on as the general manager. But she will be leaving the on-field coaching duties to someone else.
After leaving Green Mountain in 2001, Echtermeyer became the boys and girls soccer coach for Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch. She plans on continuing to coach both teams this coming school year.
Besides wanting a little break from the summer, the longtime coach, who guided the Lady Cougars to a winning record in three of their four years, has been dealing with some health problems. Echtermeyer said that she has a defective valve in her heart that might have to be replaced in November.
“Having the surgery will improve my quality of life,” Echtermeyer said.
Coaching has been a passion for Echtermeyer, while playing is still in the blood of 1994 Green Mountain graduate Chrissie Duren (Cramer). The older sister of former U.S. National player Aleisha Rose (Cramer) has continued to play for Echtermeyer and the Cougars.
“I like to compete in the game that I love,” Duren said. “As long as I can still play, I’ll play. Even if in the over 30 and over 40 leagues.”
Duren has two young girls that put her soccer career on hold for awhile.
“I think the thing with Chris is that she left the game for a few years and had a couple of children,” Echtermeyer said. “I think when you leave and come back you are more passionate.”
Duren proved in the 12th minute against the Mustangs that she still has her scoring touch. From a near impossible angle, Duren beat Mustangs’ goalie Katie Hultin with a shot that found the back of the net.
“To still have a Cramer in my crew, I’m psyched,” Echtermeyer said. “They are a great family.”