Craig Daily Press

Alegra Yeager may be new to Craig, but the 23-year-old is no stranger to soccer.

Moffat County High School's new girls soccer coach was born and raised in Sante Fe, N.M., and moved to the Yampa Valley in January after graduating from Adam's State.

Recruited as a goalkeeper, Alegra was converted to forward for her four-year career.

"I was RMAC player of the month my freshman year and I had the first hat trick in Adam's State history," she said. "It was an exciting time in my career."

After her early college success, Yeager took a one-year break from soccer to try her hand at track and field.

"There was a time when I quit soccer and ran track -- I couldn't make up my mind," she said.

From there, Yeager continued to pursue her soccer career while pursuing a degree in elementary education.

"I would have to say one of my favorite things about soccer is just the way that everything comes together," she said.

With a degree in hand, Yeager moved to Craig to be closer to her boyfriend.

Yeager recently was hired as a first-grade teacher at East Elementary School, where she begins in the fall.

She volunteered with the MCHS girls soccer team in the spring and notified Athletic Director Jeff Simon of her coaching interest.

"I didn't think it would happen so soon," she said. "I am very excited and anxious to begin my coaching career. Last year was my first time being a volunteer."

Yeager hopes to focus on fundamentals and getting the girls involved "earlier in age."

"I want to have the girls in fundamental shape," she said. "I would like to hold some camps. I have been e-mailing a guy in Denver for me to go to camps, but I am starting from scratch. It was a very good learning experience last year and there are some awesome skills players coming up."

Yeager replaces Seth Young, who was recently named as the new MCHS boys soccer coach.