Ali Krieger Mourns Her Dad After His Death at 69 Years Old: ‘Hurts to My Very Core'

"I’ve always been so proud to call you Dad," Krieger wrote in a heartfelt tribute to her father, Ken

Ali Krieger is mourning the death of her father, Ken, who passed away at 69 years old.

Krieger, 39, shared an emotional tribute to her dad, who died March 5 with his daughter by his side. The former NWSL star's brother, Kyle Krieger, shared that their father "had been suffering from an Alzheimer's diagnosis for a few years," and the siblings traveled to see him as soon as they "got the call that he was transitioning to the dying phase of hospice care."

"He died while I was en route on my flight, but he was surrounded by my sister and some loving friends and players he coached," her brother shared.

Ali's heartfelt post began, "Dad, Dadde, Pops, Kenny K, Kenny-Babe, KenXMen, I love you and I miss you so much. There's so much to say, and it will never be enough, but I can start here."

The newly-retired soccer star, who won a championship with the New York Gotham in December, wrote, "No matter how many days, months and journal entries I’ve tried to write and process this very moment it does not make it easier to say goodbye to you."

Ali said the loss "hurts" to her "very core" in the post, but she "will accept and welcome all the grief as it comes to visit because it reminds me of all the unexpressed love I have for you, and knowing that gives me comfort."

Related: Ali Krieger's Brother Celebrates Her NWSL Win and Retirement amid Ashlyn Harris Divorce: 'In Awe'

She continued, "I’ve always been so proud to call you Dad and our father-daughter bond over the years has been extremely rewarding and valuable to me."

Ken was a longtime high school soccer coach at several schools in Virginia, and one of the winningest in the state's history. He led three schools to four state championships and two national championships over his 30-year career, according to WTOP News.

The soccer star recalled her father "never once" telling her or her brother, "what to do on our life journeys," in the post. "Instead, you always gave us the tools to figure it out for ourselves and I appreciate you deeply for it."

Related: Ali Krieger Says She Learned Ex Ashlyn Harris Filed for Divorce During Practice: ‘I Was Devastated’

Ali's tribute continued, "Fortunately, you gave me my football brain and soccer genes.. which led me to my dream job and career full of beautiful, breath-taking, life long moments that I can cherish forever! I’ll never forget looking up from the field, into the stands and seeing how proud you stood, clapping and waving to me after every match."

"You are easily voted the best soccer coach and teacher of the game in my book, and you would also be very happy to know that Sloane has a decent left foot," she added, referring to her daughter, Sloane, 3, whom she shares with ex-wife Ashlyn Harris. Ali and Harris also share a son, Ocean, 15 months.

Ali's heartfelt post continued, "Sharing my football career with you was a highlight for me over the years but most important, leaning on you for life advice daily was why I adored you so much. You would always have a relatable quote that made sense in every moment that provided immediate ease."

Concluding her tribute, Ali wrote, "Your support, guidance and unconditional love will always remain close to my heart and keep me inspired. I will continue to carry you with me until I join you again. I love you, forever! Rest in peace. Love, Your 'Little One.' "

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Friends and family flooded the comments on Ali's heartfelt post. Kyle wrote, "I love you so much! These photos! Sweet Kenny K!"

Her former teammate and NY Gotham star Kristi Mewis wrote, "Thinking of you Kriegs," and teammate Kelley O'Hara shared a heart emoji on the post.

Retired soccer star Carli Lloyd commented, "So sorry to hear about your Dad. hugs to you and your family."

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