By Town Crier Staff Report

There are few negative aspects to playing on a professional sports team. One of the them, however, is the possibility of being traded at any given time.

That’s what happened to St. Francis High grad Anna Kraus last week. Two months into her first Women’s United Soccer Association season, Kraus was traded from the Atlanta Beat to the San Diego Spirit for a second-round pick in 2003.

While the former Mountain View resident seemed surprised Atlanta gave up on her so quickly, she’s looking forward to a fresh start in San Diego.

“I’m very excited. I’m a California native, so the move is exciting for my family and friends,” Kraus said. “This is the life I’ve chosen to lead as a professional soccer player and getting traded is part of that life. You have to embrace it and do your best in whatever situation you find yourself in. I just want to come in and help the Spirit in any way I can to win games.”

That’s exactly what Kraus’ new coach expects her to do.

“Anna is an excellent soccer player and a great person who will fit in well with the team,” Spirit coach Kevin Crow said. “Her speed and quickness will not only help us immediately, but also will benefit the club in the years to come.”

Kraus was the Beat’s first-round choice (seventh overall) in the 2002 draft. The defender played a major role in helping Santa Clara University win the 2001 NCAA Championship.

At St. Francis, Kraus helped the Lancers win two Central Coast Section titles.