How it all came to be...
Cody Kreamalmeyer, Luke's father, believed that his son would enjoy soccer. With that notion, he registered his son when he was four years old. The seed had been planted, and Luke started playing soccer at the youth level in Illinois. He continued playing as he entered Edwardsville High School, developing into one of the better players on his high school team and on his club team, Metro FC. It was his time with Metro FC that provided opportunities for Luke to showcase his talent and ability in front of college coaches.
Kreamalmeyer was a hot prospect for many colleges coming out Edwardsville High School in 2001. He eventually decided to stay close to home by attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He received a scholarship and walked confidently onto the Bradley campus in the Fall of 2001. During his freshman year, Kreamalmeyer played in 20 games and registered 4 goals and 2 assists, ranking third in points on the team.
The 22-year-old's enthusiasm for soccer slowed down during his sophomore season due to personal problems. Luke still managed to play 23 games for the Braves, adding four goals and four assists. During the summer of 2003, he played for the St. Louis Strikers of the USL Premier Development League (PDL), registering 6 goals and 4 assists in 10 games. Kreamalmeyer ignited his junior year, competing in all 23 games, registering nine goals and five assists, leading him to honors as a All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team member.
Before returning to Bradley for his senior year, Kreamalmeyer spent the 2004 summer with the Chicago Fire Reserves of the PDL, where he scored five goals and netted eight assists as the team won its conference with a record of 17-0-1. He went on to finish his college campaign by leading the Braves with eight goals and nine assists, leading the team to the semifinals of the conference tournament.
After his performance during his senior year, Luke was invited to the 2005 adidas MLS Combine in Carson, Calif. The invite sparked great excitement in Luke because he thought that he would never have the chance to get drafted without going to the combine. It was at the combine that he caught the eye of many of MLS coaches, especially RSL Head Coach John Ellinger. At the conclusion of the combine, Luke came out on top, winning the combine's top honor, that of adidas Tom Fitzgerald Memorial.
With 2005 adidas MLS Combine behind him, Luke waited in anticipation for the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. He sat through three grueling rounds before he was picked 37th overall by RSL. As he entered preseason training at the IMG Academy in Bradention, Fla., Luke was a little nervous, but he realized he had something to prove. Over the course of preseason training, he did more then prove his worth and stock to Ellinger, but showcased that he was a hidden gem during the 2005 MLS SuperDraft.
As RSL's inaugural season begins, be sure to watch for "Laser Luke," the nickname give in preseason by DJ, who will be turning heads throughout the League with his passion and smart play on the field.
Coach Ellinger's call...
"Luke Kreamalmeyer obviously first caught my eye at the 2005 adidas MLS Combine, where I noticed his quickness and skill. While we were at the combine, we paid particular attention to the players that were good on turf, knowing that our home field would be played on the same surface, and he was great on turf. He is a very talented player who can get in behind a defender. He is definitely in the mix for a starting role and is somebody we want on our selection at all times."
Field Vision: Forward Jamie Watson says...
"I knew who Luke Kreamalmeyer was coming into the 2005 MLS Combine and by the end of the combine everybody knew about him. He has the most promise of any of the rookies on the team. Luke can impact a game to the degree that he changes the flow of the game. He is very smart player who thinks every move through. Then you add his athleticism. Off the field he is a good person, real down-to-earth, really family-oriented. He knows what direction he wants to go with his life."
Things you need to know...
Nickname:
Laser Luke
Hobbies:
Movies, playing cards, video games
Major in college:
Advertising
Favorite music:
All
Favorite movie:
Troy
Favorite food:
Steak
Favorite book:
"Live Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen
Favorite TV show:
Friends
Favorite athlete outside of soccer:
Shaq
Greatest accomplishments:
MVP of 2005 adidas MLS Player Combine
Charities/causes:
Working with kids, literacy programs, volunteer work and youth church groups.
