Men's Soccer 5/9/2024 10:27:00 AM

Get To Know: Men’s Soccer Head Coach Krystian Witkowski

Fairfield University Men's Soccer Head Coach Krystian Witkowski will enter his first season at the helm of the Stags during the upcoming 2024 season. Witkowski has had experience with coaching spots around the country including at: Marist, Army West Point, and Northwestern. He is a 2011 graduate from Marist College and was also drafted to play professionally by the Philadelphia Union. Coach Witkwoski answered a few questions about his background and his expectations for the Stags.

Q: Why Fairfield? What about Fairfield University compelled you to want to accept a head coaching position here?
1. A: "I am passionate about helping young people to develop holistically and am dedicated to the values of Fairfield University. Speaking to our Jesuit values of service and the development of the whole person and striving for excellence, that is how I've chosen to live my life as a student athlete and now as a professional. Additionally, Fairfield has a rich history and rich tradition of competitive excellence that I plan to continue for a long time to come."
Q: Being that you have not yet spent a season with the Stags, what strengths do you already see in the team?
1. A: "One of this team's biggest strengths is their relationship with one another and the brotherhood of this group. They are ready to do anything for each other. They are ready to strive for goals and expectations TOGETHER. They have welcomed me with great spirit and energy and they are just a really great group of guys."
Q: What is your vision for the men's soccer program? Where can you see this program going?
1. A: "I think this team has everything we need to be successful on the national stage. There was a great foundation established by Coach Rees. We have a great alumni base, administration, and student body ready and willing to support us. I want to build a culture of winning here at Fairfield. When I was a student at Marist, Fairfield was always the team to beat. We feared having to play them. I want each student athlete to strive for excellence not only on the field, but in every area of life as well."
Q: What do you think has prepared you to help the team fulfill this mission?
1. A: "It starts with not only my personal experience in the MAAC and as an athlete myself, but also living and embodying the values that I expect of my team. I am able to relate to the players in terms of their goals because we often share the same ones. I have had some great mentorship in my experience from Coach Payne at West Point, Paul Schlickman here at Fairfield, and my parents who are the hardest working people that I know. I have been given everything that I need to succeed here and I feel well-prepared to get to work doing so"
Q: How do you plan to support and motivate your players on the field, as well as off?
1. A: "Relationships are key. Building trust with the athletes is key. I hope to create an environment with autonomy and allow them to make decisions. I think it is so important to keep an open mind and hold each other accountable to high expectations and standards. This is a two way street. There is so much that I can learn from my athletes and I know I can count on them to help me help them."
Q: What kind of play style do you envision your team having?
1. A: "Very defined. There will be extremely clear roles, responsibilities, and positional profiles allowing the players to have clarity in their expectations."
Q: What are your strengths as a coach? What do you think you need to improve on?
1. A: "I absolutely love the game. I love to study the game, illustrate it, and put it into training principles that will promote success on the field. I am passionate about building and maintaining relationships with my athletes while also pushing them to their full potential. There are, however, circumstances as a first time head coach that you feel prepared for and then there are circumstances that you just have to embrace the learning process because there is bound to be uncharted territory."

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