Richards teacher receives state award for sportsmanship

Richards High School social studies teacher Christina Kreil was among eight women who were honored on Tuesday by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs during a celebration of Women’s History Month.

Kreil received an Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Award for being the state’s sole member of the U.S. Women's National Amputee Soccer Team, which earned a silver medal on Nov. 10 during the inaugural Women’s Amputee Football World Cup in Barranquilla, Colombia.

“We lost to Colombia in a PK (penalty kick) shootout, and I’m still not over it,” she said during the awards ceremony as the audience laughed.

Kreil has been playing soccer while fighting a rare disease called metastatic giant cell tumor of the bone. It led to the amputation of her right foot from below the knee. While the amputation was supposed to stop the spread of the disease, Kreil said it failed.

“I currently have 17 tumors in my lungs and lymph nodes, and I’m not a candidate for chemotherapy because it’s not cancer,” she said. Kreil continues to search for drug trials and a specialist abroad since there are none in the U.S.

Kreil was diagnosed at age 17 and resumed playing soccer a year later. She became a member of the U.S. Women's National Amputee Soccer Team after one of its coaches watched a viral video of Kreil kicking a soccer ball to her son.

“Christina Kreil is a shining example of strength, courage, and determination,” Frerichs said. “It’s a story of overcoming obstacles and being resilient. When we talk about sports or athletics, some people will ask ‘what titles have you won?’ I don’t care where you are. I care where you have come from and how far you have come.”

Amputee soccer players continue to train and compete. The men’s team is training for its World Cup in 2026. Kreil encouraged others to support the teams as she described their importance to her.

“Sports is my therapy,” she said while fighting back tears. “I need to be as strong as possible for all the people I love so much: my children, my husband, and my mom. They’re all watching me.

“The greatest lesson I have to teach is grit. There will always be another storm. That’s life. So, we shake it off, we get back up, and we build each other up, always.”

To learn more about the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Teams, visit usampsoccer.org.