The 2008 season marks the 11th women's soccer season at Madonna University, with Paul Thomas entering his third season at the helm of a program that has maintained a high level of success for a decade.
Thomas, who holds a USSF "A" license, (the highest license in the federation) started his collegiate coaching career in 2003 as an assistant at Saginaw Valley State University after capping his playing career in 2002 with the Cardinals.
After a two year stint at SVSU, Thomas joined the MU staff as an assistant in 2005, before taking over as head coach for the 2006 season, compiling a 20-11-4 overall record in two seasons.
In his first season, Thomas guided the Crusaders to a 12-4-2 overall record and a second place finish in the WHAC regular season standings after putting together a 10-1-1 mark in conference play. Postseason glory was not to be that year, as MU fell in the opening round of the 2006 conference tournament to Siena Heights University.
In his second season, Thomas continued to interject his brand of soccer at Madonna, going through some growing pains with a transformed roster to finish fourth in the WHAC standings with a 7-4-1 conference mark. Again the WHAC playoffs were a stumbling block as MU fell in the opening round, this time at Aquinas College, 2-1.
A native of Manchester, England, Thomas' playing and coaching career is impressive, spanning two decades and counting with experience on a mirad of levels.
As a player, Thomas has seen time with numerous clubs and teams including the Crewe Alexander Professional Football Club, Witton Albion Football Club and collegiately at SVSU. While a Cardinal, Thomas was a all-conference selection in 2002.
His coaching background runs the gamut from summer camps to the professional ranks. In addition to his duties at MU, Thomas is also currently the Coaching Director for the Northville (Mich.) Soccer Association, the Director of Soccer Operations for the Michigan Nationals, head coach of the Michigan Rush and a head coach in the Michigan girls Olympic Development Program.
Thomas also holds a NSCAA Premier Diploma as well as a preliminary badge and coaching certificate from the English Football Association.
In two seasons as head coach, Thomas has guided the Crusaders to back-to-back WHAC tournament appearances and has seen 11 players earn all-conference accolades under his tutiledge.
Thomas currently resides in Livonia with his wife, Sarah.
Katie Kramer begins her second season as an assistant coach with her alma mater after a two-year stint on the field from 2005-06.
Kramer was a two-year starter for MU, earning honorable mention all-conference honors as a junior and a senior. Kramer was also twice named to the WHAC's Champion of Character team.
Prior to her time at MU, Kramer spent two seasons at NCAA Division I school Stoney Brook University, scoring four career goals for the Sea Wolves.
A native of Highland, Michigan, Kramer was named academic all-state at Milford HS in 1999, 200 and again in 2001. She also played 10 years of club ball for the Michigan Wolves, winning a state title in 2001.
Dan Diac begins his second season on Paul Thomas' staff and will once again serve as the team's goalkeeper coach.
Diac helped mentor last season's goalies - Traci Anderson and Chelsea Gregg - and the results showed as the Crusaders posted seven shutouts and a 1.26 goals against average.
A member of the Madonna camp staff as well, Diac has an impressive playing resume as he spent 10 seasons playing professionally in Romania, including playing in theprestigious UEFA Cup. Diac also spent time in net with the Detroit Rockers.
Prior to his time with the Crusaders, Diac has had coaching stints with Schoolcraft College and is currently the goalkeeping coach for the MSYSA Olympic Development Program.
