Catching up with NUSD Sport Alumni Kris Schultz

--- Published on May 21st 2021 ---
FILED UNDER:
NUSD Sports Alumni
Close up of NUSD Alumni Kris Schultz goal keeping

Kris Schultz (Natomas HS ‘11) has quite the Soccer resume-after graduating from Natomas HS in 2011 he received a scholarship to play goalie at UC Davis.  He played at UCD from 2011-2015 and then headed overseas professionally (New Zealand/Australia) after graduation.

At Natomas High he was a 4-year starter on varsity and team captain three straight years, he also was selected to the All-Tri County Conference (TCC) first team all four years. He was named the TCC’s Most Valuable Player and was a Sacramento All-City honoree for three consecutive years.  He led Natomas HS to two CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Championships and three league titles.  He also was the punter/kicker on the football team. 

His best memory from HS was playing in the section championship, it came down to PK’s and he saved the winning kick – that year the team had dedicated the season to a teammate (car accident) and a coach who had passed away – the whole season was dedicated to both and winning the championship was, even more, special because of that … 

Playing in college started with the same high expectations and goals, and then injuries hit – he had to have both hips reconstructed, and an ACL surgery (a year recovery for each), having never had an injury prior to these major setbacks took its toll-  mentally and physically.  Balancing daily 5 am rehab times with classes, then practice and games that he couldn’t play in, only there as an encourager and teammate … Those times taught him a lot, thankfulness and patience and how to embrace the moment even more.

All during this time and while he played overseas, Coach Geo (current Natomas HS coach) kept in touch, and had him come by in the summer to talk to the players and to just hang out … In 2018 he hung up his ‘boots’,  and became an account executive in Minnesota, then an opportunity to return to Sacramento came up and he took it … now – after Coach Geo asked – he is also back helping at Natomas HS as an Asst Soccer Coach.  He loves it, he loves teaching the game and believes the most important thing he can teach the players is taking responsibility for their lives, both on and off the field.  Taking initiative, showing up on time, putting the work in academically and in training.  To ask questions, to figure it out and learn and get better each day … And to remember to enjoy it all, because the next day isn’t guaranteed.  He knows first hand the best times are those spent with your teammates, on the bus, making jokes, winning and losing (especially winning!) together.  And those best times continue, but now as a coach … 

Thank you Kris for returning to coach at Natomas HS – for giving back!! #letsgonighthawks 

NUSD Alumni Kris Schultz on the soccer field
NUSD Alumni Kris Schultz goal keeping
Close up of NUSD Alumni Kris Schultz goal keeping
NUSD Alumni Kris Schultz kicking soccer ball

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