RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, January 14, 2009) – The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recently announced the 2008 collegiate season All-Americans, naming Richmond Kickers Destiny defender Nikki Krzysik and forward Claire Zimmeck to the Division I First and Second Teams, respectively. Overall, the list included 33 players with experience in the USL W-League and 55 players with experience in the USL Premier Development League.
The 2004 W-League U19 Player of the Year, Krzysik made six appearances with the Destiny in 2008, leading Richmond to consecutive shutouts to finish the season. An active member of the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team, Krzysik helped lead the U.S. team to their 10th Nordic Cup title last summer and was an integral component of the U.S. team that won the 2006 CONCACAF U-20 Final Women’s Qualifying Tournament in Mexico. The 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year started all 23 games played and notched three goals and three assists for nine points, while contributing to nine shutouts during her senior year at UVA. A two-time All-American and First Team All-ACC honoree, Krzysik was a part of the defensive unit that led the nation in goals against average (0.40) and set a school record with 15 shutouts her junior year. Concluding her collegiate career with 89 appearances, the native of Clifton, New Jersey tallied seven goals and eight assists for 22 points overall and was one of 15 semifinalists for the 2008 Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy, presented to the top collegiate soccer player in the country. Krzysik will be participating in the Women’s Professional Soccer Draft taking place this Friday, January 16th in St. Louis, Missouri
Slated to graduate from the College of William & Mary in 2009, Zimmeck spent the 2008 W-League season with the Destiny. In just seven appearances, she finished tied for second on the team in scoring with one goal and five assists for seven points on the season. Zimmeck completed her collegiate career with 57 goals and 12 assists, ranking among the Tribe’s all-time top-five in seven career categories, including the most match-winning goals with 25. A three-time All-American and two-time CAA Player of the Year, Zimmeck earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2008 after leading William & Mary to its third-straight regular season title, while notching a career-high six assists. Additionally, the native of Fairfax, Virginia was one of 72 players invited to attend the Women’s Professional Soccer East Coast Draft Combine last month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
After opening the 2008 season 1-7-0, the Destiny posted a 5-1-0 comeback with the addition of Krzysik and Zimmeck to conclude the season mid-table in the Atlantic Division standings. Despite the late-season comeback, the Destiny missed postseason qualification for the first time in three seasons. The Destiny returns to W-League action in May for their sixth season, competing in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference alongside the Atlanta Silverbacks, Cary, Charlotte Lady Eagles, Hampton Roads Piranhas, Northern Virginia Majestics and Tampa Bay Hellenic. Players interested in participating with the Destiny in 2009 should contact Jesse Myers at jmyers@richmondkickers.com and include a soccer resume.
A Pro-Am league comprised of 37 teams, the W-League provides the most complete women’s player pool in the world and is recognized as North America’s best women’s developmental organization. The W-League offers the best local college and club players the opportunity to play alongside established international players while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.
