News from the Tri-Valley's Hottest Soccer Club

Youth sports coaches get into coaching for different reasons. To some, coaching is a parental obligation; to others, it is a higher calling.

Youth coaches have one thing in common, though: They coach for the kids.

Thank you to all of the Rec coaches from this past season! You are the backbone of this organization. Another big thank you to the Select coaches, some of whom have been coaching for ten years. And we greatly appreciate our professional coaching staff for your tireless work.

This Holiday Season, thank a Coach!

Garrett Contreras

President, Fusion Board of Directors

inFusion periodically profiles a coach, player, Board member, staff person, volunteer, alumnus, or other member of the amazing Fusion community.

At Fusion SC we take an "Iron sharpens Iron" approach to our Premier program: Hire the best coaches to bring out the best in our players. We have assembled an outstanding coaching staff who bring tremendous experience, talent, passion, and dedication to their craft.

One of those coaches is the subject of this Fusion Focus. Most of her life has revolved around soccer, from her beginnings as a Moraga playground warrior, to high school star, collegiate All-American, professional soccer player, and highly regarded college coach. She presently coaches SF State's women's team, and also serves as Fusion's Girls NPL Player Director.

Meet Tracy Hamm!

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Moraga, CA. I went to Campolindo High School, UC Berkeley (BA Mass Communications) for undergrad, Boston University (Ed.M Sports Psychology) and Concordia University - Irvine (MA Coaching and Athletic Administration) for graduate school.

My parents are Curt and Shannon and are my biggest heroes. I have two brothers - Cliff and Kevin - I am the middle girl and have 5 boy cousins (no girls). I have a pit-mix named Murphy and many of my friends call me Trey or Hammer.

In high school you lettered in soccer, softball, and track. What made you choose soccer over the other sports when you went to college?

I actually went to Cal for soccer and softball, but chose to only play soccer after my fall season to focus on soccer, school, and internships. I loved softball too, but I wanted to experience all that college could offer, so one sport was enough.

"Fusion SC is always on the lookout for fantastic coaching staff. Hiring Tracy Hamm exemplifies this. Tracy has the playing background and coaching qualities we look for at Fusion. And, as Head Coach of a major women’s college program, Tracy adds further knowledge and guidance to our College Mentorship Program."

"As our Girls NPL Player Director, Tracy offers a wealth of insights into what it takes to become a college player. She provides the highest level of practice for the players, education for the parents, and college guidance for everyone involved in the NPL teams. We love having Tracy around, and she has made a great impact and impression on everyone. " - Ben Graham, Fusion SC Director of Coaching

What was your college recruitment like? What schools offered you scholarships?

College recruiting was VERY different in the early 2000's. You didn't commit until your senior year, after you took your 5 official visits. I had visits set up to Univ. of Virginia, Univ. of Texas, Notre Dame University, and Washington State Univ. Unfortunately, my senior year was 9/11, so all my trips got cancelled. I took a visit to Cal in the meantime and fell in love with it, so I never rescheduled my other visits!

College Highlights

During her freshman year at Cal in 2002, Tracy was the leading scorer with nine goals and was named Cal's Freshman of the Year. Throughout her four years, she was an All-Pac-10 academic honorable mention three times. In her final two years at Cal, Tracy started every game and was a key factor in Cal's defense, which in 2005 set a school record for GAA (0.475, seventh in nation) and tying school marks for goals allowed (11) and shutouts (14) in a season. In four years as a letter-winner, Tracy amassed 12 career goals.

What's the scariest thing you've ever done?

Probably when I moved to Atlanta to play professionally and away from California and my family and friends for the first time.

How did you enjoy your time at Cal?

Cal was an incredible experience. I was surrounded by the greatest people I have ever known academically, athletically, and as genuine, altruistic, and open-minded individuals. I'm lucky to still call many of those people my friends.

"I can’t say enough good things about Tracy. She has been such a positive addition to our Club, and to the U17 Girls’ NPL team, in particular. Not only is she an awesome coach and a great role model for our girls, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a college coach, making the dream of playing at the college level that much more tangible for our players. Her insight into how a college coach thinks and recruits has made our Fusion College Mentoring Program that much more relevant and has helped our players pursue their goals of playing in college much more effectively. She is such a key part of our success at Fusion on so many levels, and achieves this in such a fun and positive way, you can’t help but catch her infectious spirit when you are around her." - Lora Silva

You played in the Women's Professional Soccer League. What was that like?

My career was very challenging, but rewarding. I got to play with and against many of the best players in the world. There is nothing in the world like competing at that level - you have to bring your 'A' game to not just every game, but every training as well.

What is something surprising about you?

I have visited 5 of the 7 continents.

When did you first get the idea that you wanted to be a soccer coach?

I started coaching as a summer job in college, but my die-hard passion for my players and teams really started when I was in my graduate school at Boston University. I really felt that I once I graduated, I now had the education and drive to help players achieve their goals and affect their life in a positive way.

"Having Tracy as our coach these past couple years has been such a privilege and something I will never take for granted. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be coached by Tracy as she is someone who has accomplished so much herself both on and off the field. I appreciate her having such high expectations of us as students as well as a team as it helps keeps us focused and on track during our high school years. Tracy is much more than just a coach she is a mentor and someone I will continue to look up to and admire. Oh, and can’t forget to mention Murphy, he is pretty special too!" - Hailey Hahlbeck

Tracy with her SF State Squad

You were selected from over 200 applicants for the SF State head coaching job. What do you think set you apart from the other candidates?

I think my passion for coaching is very evident. I try to be the best at everything I do and nothing can usually stop me. I have high aspirations, above and beyond winning and losing. I like to lead and I want my players to be as successful as possible.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

I can't say that one person in particular has been the biggest inspiration to me. I learned early in my life that the only way to get better at anything, is to surround yourself with people better than you. I've always continued to put myself in challenging situations so that I grow as a person and a professional. I want to be the best at everything I do, so the standards I have for myself exceed any expectations that anyone else may have of me.

What are your impressions of Fusion SC?

Fusion is the most well-run and organized Club that I have been a part of. There are quality facilities, coaches, and players - the ultimate trifecta!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I take one day at a time and prepare the best I can to be better tomorrow. Sky is the limit.

We've Made a lot of Friends in 40 years.

We especially appreciate our friends in the business world who sponsor our Club. The support we receive from our sponsors attests to our success in providing a vital recreational resource for our youth, and our role in making Livermore such a fantastic, family-friendly place to live.

Granada Bowl is one of our top-level Gold sponsors. They have donated numerous bowling parties for Fusion fundraisers and team incentives; the use of their meeting room for Club gatherings; a bowling tournament fundraiser event; and "Star of the Game" prizes for our younger players. Earlier this month Granada Bowl hosted a joyous year-end celebration event for our coaching staff and executive board.

Thank you Granada Bowl for supporting our Club and for your help in keeping us connected to our great community!

Please support businesses that support Fusion SC! For more information about Granada Bowl visit www.granadabowl.com.

U14 Boys Maroon are Champs!

For the Fusion U14 Boys Maroon, the final outcome of the 2016 season hinged on a long trek to the central valley.

Needing a win or tie to secure first place in their division, the team hit the road to take on Fresno Alliance.

Leading up to that game, the boys had endured a season-long gauntlet of extremely hard-fought matches, all decided by two goals or fewer. The team braced for another dogfight.

Fusion's Landon Ratinho (#17) scores on a header against Fresno.

Two headers are better than one! Edwin Zabala scores one here.

With victory against Fresno Alliance assured, U14 Boys Maroon Head Coach Craig Scheer gave starting goalie Mikey Christian (second from right) a chance to play the field. Mikey came through with a goal, igniting a team celebration that exemplified the tremendous camaraderie which helped propel the team to a division championship and a promotion to NPL1.