Krystian Witkowski - Assistant Men's Soccer Coach - Men's Soccer Coaches

Krystian Witkowski

Title:
Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
Email:
krystian.witkowski@westpoint.edu
Phone:
2463

Krystian Witkowski joined the Army West Point men’s soccer coaching staff in April 2017 and enters his fourth season with the program.

Since he joined the staff, the Black Knights have never lost to service academy rival Navy and have picked up several notable program victories, including a pair of wins over PAC-12 foe San Diego State in 2017 and 2018.

Witkowski was instrumental in the development of the Class of 2020 which featured the program’s first-ever MLS Superdraft selection and one of the program’s all-time best scorers. Zac McGraw was selected in the third round by the Portland Timbers following his 2019 senior season, while Keenan O’Shea wrapped up his collegiate career ranked inside the top-10 in career points (60), goals (23) and assists (14). Both were All-Patriot League performers in the 2019 season as the duo garnered second team accolades.

Witkowski has also played a major role in the program’s recruiting efforts, bringing in a class for the 2020 season that was ranked No. 18 by Top Drawer Soccer.

The 2018 season was just his second year with the program, and Witkowski played a key role in helping the Black Knights reach the Patriot League Tournament championship match after upsetting nationally-ranked top-seeded Loyola, 1-0, in the semifinal round. It marked the first time since 1996 that an Army squad had advanced to the championship match.

He worked with a trio of all-league and a pair of all-region performers during the season, including the Patriot League's top goal scorer, O'Shea, who finished the year as the only player with double-digit goals. Witkowski was additionally part of the largest Army-Navy Cup victory in the seven-year history of the rivalry played at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa., after the Black Knights defeated Navy, 4-1, on Oct 12.

In his first year with the program, Army posted a nine-win season and had five Cadets collect All-Patriot League accolades. While on the staff, Witkowski helped the Black Knights rank inside the top five in the Patriot League in numerous statistical categories including goals (21), assists (18) and points (60), while finishing first in goals against (14) and goals-against average (0.82).

"As a college and pro player Krystian was an extremely dynamic attacker and he has already demonstrated that same dynamic approach in his early coaching career," Army West Point head men’s soccer coach Russell Payne said. "He has gained coaching experience at the college and professional level and he has a keen attack-minded foundation to his coaching style. He is a great addition to the Army West Point soccer program."

Witkowski came to West Point after serving as a Performance Analyst with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. During his time with the Red Bulls, Witkowski was tasked with utilizing video and data analysis for purposes of scouting, recruitment, and match analysis. He also assisted the technical staff in developing training sessions, while helping organize pre- and post-match tactical video sessions.

Prior to that, he served one year as the volunteer assistant coach for the Manhattan women's soccer team. During his time with the Jaspers, he assisted in the execution and development of team training sessions, managed the execution of goalkeeper specific training sessions, and analyzed footage for the purposes of scouting and match preparation.

From 2013-16, Witkowski worked as an assistant coach with the men's soccer program at Marist, his alma mater. In his three years, he developed and conducted training sessions, fitness programs, and regenerative exercises as well as maintained the execution of goalkeeper specific training. He also recruited prospective student-athletes and handled the recruitment database, while also serving as an academic liaison with the student-athletes.

"I am honored to join the Army West Point men's soccer staff," Witkowski said. "This is an opportunity for me to develop as a professional in a first-class environment led by head coach Russell Payne. I look forward to many years and championships here at West Point."

Witkowski also spent time at the professional ranks, playing for the Philadelphia Union for a season after being drafted in 2012.

As a college athlete at Marist, Witkowski was named a three-time All-MAAC First Team selection and a two-time NSCAA All-North Atlantic Region Second Team honoree. He also earned CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District First Team and Second Team nods during the 2011 and 2010 seasons, respectively. The Rochester, N.Y., native was named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in three of his four seasons as well.

In 71 games played for the Red Foxes, Witkowski started 67 of them. He compiled 54 total points, 21 career goals and seven game-winners.

A 2013 graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Witkowski also played for the U-18 Polish National Team. He received his Master’s in Sports Management from Columbia in 2016.