Give, Go, and DO

Juggling Life as an Internist, Weekend Hospitalist, and Soccer Dad

The life of an internal medicine specialist who also works as a weekend hospitalist for a small community hospital in rural western Pennsylvania in itself is very busy. But what if that internist also is a father of five children ranging in age from 10 to 18 years and shares their passion for soccer? That’s a game changer!

Steve Graeca, DO has coached soccer at all levels ranging from peewee to high school varsity. When his oldest daughter, now pre-med student Meghan, was four years old, he began his coaching career. As Meghan moved up in the ranks and levels, so did coach Steve, on the field with her through her high school varsity season. He has coached all his children, including twins Nicholas and Alexander (16), Emily (13) and Lauren (10).

Steve has cut back his full time coaching this past year to drive his two children Nicholas and Emily to elite level soccer in Pittsburgh (2 hours away). They both compete for elite Cup teams (US club soccer and US youth soccer) traveling to play matches in the mid-west and on the east coast of the United States. They also play for the PA West Olympic Development Program (ODP) which has afforded them great opportunities. Nicholas has traveled to Germany, Scotland, and most recently Italy as part of a super elite selected team. Emily has played on national ID teams most recently in Florida. The ultimate “soccer dad” continues to find time to help coach his youngest Lauren at U10 travel team locally, in addition to coaching Emily on the middle school team.

Steve travels with his children as they compete in the Pennsylvania West State Soccer Association (PA West Soccer), US club soccer and USYS soccer associations. PA West Soccer contributes to the development of Olympians and professional soccer players. He travels nearly every weekend in the fall and spring when not on call for his hospitalist job. Although a huge time commitment, Steve states he loves every moment!

When not racking up the frequent flier miles, Dr. Graeca and his wife Jen live in DuBois, PA. What we really want to know, though, Steve, where do you keep your vuvuzela?