Defender/Midfielder Nikki Krzysik made her Richmond Kickers Destiny debut in the 2008 season following an impressive career. As a member of the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team, Nikki was an integral part of the U.S. team that won the 2008 Nordic Cup title and 2006 CONCACAF U-20 Final Women’s Qualifying Tournament in Mexico. She made two appearances for the U.S. at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.
Nikki is a rising senior at the University of Virginia where she earned All-American honors last season, becoming the 15th player in UVA’s history to be named All-American and the fourth to be named to the first team. Krzysik holds a place on Virginia’s record-setting defense, which earned her a second consecutive first-team All-ACC selection after starting every game for UVA. Krzysik made 10 appearances with the Jersey Sky Blue (W-League) last season on her way to the W-League Eastern Conference Semifinals and was named U-19 W-League Player of the Year with the New Jersey Lady Stallions in 2004.
A native of Clifton, New Jersey, Krzysik was named NSCAA State Player of the Year - New Jersey and NSCAA High School Scholar Athlete of the Year while attending Clifton High School. A two-time NSCAA High School All-American, three-time US Youth All-American and two-time Parade All-American, she registered 55 goals and 35 assists in three years of high school soccer and holds the Clifton record for career goals and goals in a season (21).
1. What made you choose UVA?
I chose UVA because it was the perfect combination of soccer and education. I was looking for the right balance in a school and UVA was the perfect fit for me.
2. What is your favorite part about living in Charlottesville now?
I really enjoy Charlottesville. I am originally from New Jersey in a city ten minutes away from New York City. So even though Charlottesville may be a big city to other people for me it was a step in the other direction. Things in Charlottesville move a little slower then they do in New Jersey. I like how Charlottesville has a big fan base for UVA.
3. What was the first soccer team you ever played for?
The Golden Girls. It was my first rec team when I was four years old.
4. If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t playing soccer, I think that I would be involved in a different sport or as embarrassing as this is, I may be into ballet.
5. Who is your greatest role model? Why?
My greatest role models are my parents. They have shown me what hard work and commitment looks like. Without either of them I would not be where I am today. They have taught me about important values that have helped me to succeed not only in soccer, but in all that I do. I look up to them and hope that one day I will be able to show and give my children all that they have done for me.
6. Favorite sports other than soccer?
Basketball
7. What do you plan on doing after UVA?
Hopefully I will be able to play in the new WPS league when it starts in 2009.
8. What is your major at UVA?
I am a politics major.
9. What do you like to do when you are not playing soccer?
I love to just relax and spend time with my family and friends.
10. What is the best experience you have had so far?
The best experience I have had so far had to be playing in the U-20 World Championship. Even though we did not win, the entire year process helped me to grow not only as a soccer player but also as a person. I made life long friends and life long relationships that I will cherish forever. It was the greatest experience of my life so far.
11. What do you like most about playing for the Richmond Kickers Destiny?
I love the team chemistry that we have. It is my first season on the Kickers Destiny and I felt like I have always played for this club. There are a lot of different backgrounds but we all came together and got to know each other. The girls are great they help me to become a better player and I have learned a lot this season from my teammates and the coaches.
