Temple University Athletics
Hall of Fame Spotlight: Kim Fitzgerald
7.31.24 | General, Women's Soccer
The all-time leading goals scorer in Temple women's soccer history, Kim Fitzgerald (1993-96) will become the first player from her sport to be inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame this October.
Besides her school record 31 career goals, Fitzgerald ranks fourth on the program's all-time assist list with 12 and second in total points with 74. Her best season came as a junior in 1995 when she tied the season mark with 13 goals while dishing six assists for 32 points (2nd alltime at TU).
The 1995 season also included a memorable 1-0 upset of then #15 UMass, and the only conference regular season title in school history. She earned First Team all-Atlantic 10 Conference and all-Championship team as well in 1995.
The Horsham, Pa. native and Archibishop Wood graduate earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1997. She currently resides in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware with her partner, Amy Fichter.
1) Talk about your decision to attend Temple
"My first coach at Archbishop Wood High School was Eileen Richart, who started the women's soccer program at Temple in 1991. When she left Wood to take the Temple job she said to me, 'I'll see you in a couple of years'.
That was the best part of my journey as I knew where I was going no matter what because I had a special relationship with her."
2) Temple switched coaches following your freshman year. How difficult was it to adjust to a new coach?
"Even though I had such a great relationship with Eileen Richart, I did know Coach Seamus McWilliams as he was my coach with state teams during the summers. So I was familiar with him as well and also had a comfort factor which was nice."
3) Your junior season, 1995, was one of the best in school history. It included a 1-0 upset of #15 UMass and the regular season East Division A10 title. What stands out the most from that year.
"What stands out the most was scoring the goal against UMass. It was my most memorable goal of my college career. It was also a very long goal. I was just past the 50 yard line and made a quick sprint and kicked it from about 40 yards away. It went into the side netting over the goalkeeper's head.
They were our rivals and beating them was the highlight of a great season. I may have scored the goal but we had an amazing group of people on our team and you are only as good as your teammates."
4) What stands out the most from your days at Temple?
"Of course my teammates. We had amazing camaraderie. I also loved going to school in the city of Philadelphia. My aunt lived on 13th and Lombard and our family would go there and watch the Mummers Parade every year. I also loved going to Eagles games, Phillies games...I just love the city. I always had a love for Temple as well and I had a blast there."
5) What have you been doing since graduating from Temple?
"I was a Criminal Justice major. I loved it and explored some avenues using my degree but nothing worked out. I have been a career restaurant person for almost 30 years, working as a bartender, server, manager. I do it all and I love it. I meet new people every day and it is always new and exciting. I love it and have not left it yet.
I currently work at Jam Bistro in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I have been here full-time since 2021."
6) When you received the news about your induction from Arthur Johnson, what was your reaction?
"The call was amazing. I was very emotional. I only wish my dad was here for this. Nobody would be more elated than him. He never missed a game from when I was five years old. He followed our bus no matter where we went making every stop with us."
Besides her school record 31 career goals, Fitzgerald ranks fourth on the program's all-time assist list with 12 and second in total points with 74. Her best season came as a junior in 1995 when she tied the season mark with 13 goals while dishing six assists for 32 points (2nd alltime at TU).
The 1995 season also included a memorable 1-0 upset of then #15 UMass, and the only conference regular season title in school history. She earned First Team all-Atlantic 10 Conference and all-Championship team as well in 1995.
The Horsham, Pa. native and Archibishop Wood graduate earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1997. She currently resides in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware with her partner, Amy Fichter.
1) Talk about your decision to attend Temple
"My first coach at Archbishop Wood High School was Eileen Richart, who started the women's soccer program at Temple in 1991. When she left Wood to take the Temple job she said to me, 'I'll see you in a couple of years'.
That was the best part of my journey as I knew where I was going no matter what because I had a special relationship with her."
2) Temple switched coaches following your freshman year. How difficult was it to adjust to a new coach?
"Even though I had such a great relationship with Eileen Richart, I did know Coach Seamus McWilliams as he was my coach with state teams during the summers. So I was familiar with him as well and also had a comfort factor which was nice."
3) Your junior season, 1995, was one of the best in school history. It included a 1-0 upset of #15 UMass and the regular season East Division A10 title. What stands out the most from that year.
"What stands out the most was scoring the goal against UMass. It was my most memorable goal of my college career. It was also a very long goal. I was just past the 50 yard line and made a quick sprint and kicked it from about 40 yards away. It went into the side netting over the goalkeeper's head.
They were our rivals and beating them was the highlight of a great season. I may have scored the goal but we had an amazing group of people on our team and you are only as good as your teammates."
4) What stands out the most from your days at Temple?
"Of course my teammates. We had amazing camaraderie. I also loved going to school in the city of Philadelphia. My aunt lived on 13th and Lombard and our family would go there and watch the Mummers Parade every year. I also loved going to Eagles games, Phillies games...I just love the city. I always had a love for Temple as well and I had a blast there."
5) What have you been doing since graduating from Temple?
"I was a Criminal Justice major. I loved it and explored some avenues using my degree but nothing worked out. I have been a career restaurant person for almost 30 years, working as a bartender, server, manager. I do it all and I love it. I meet new people every day and it is always new and exciting. I love it and have not left it yet.
I currently work at Jam Bistro in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I have been here full-time since 2021."
6) When you received the news about your induction from Arthur Johnson, what was your reaction?
"The call was amazing. I was very emotional. I only wish my dad was here for this. Nobody would be more elated than him. He never missed a game from when I was five years old. He followed our bus no matter where we went making every stop with us."
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