Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Crystal Heder Kosecki, a four-time All-PSAC selection at forward, had a nose for the goal during her soccer career at IUP and was also adept at finding open teammates.

Playing under head coach Adel Heder—her father—Kosecki was part of some of the most successful teams in program history. The Indians, as they were then known, went 60-21-1 during her time in uniform, the best four-year stretch ever at IUP.

The 2004 squad finished 19-4 to set school records for wins and winning percentage (.821), became only the second IUP team to win a PSAC title and were the first selected to participate in the NCAA Division II tournament. The Indians traveled to Long Island to play two-time defending Northeast Region champion Adelphi (N.Y.), falling 2-0. The Panthers went on to play in the national title game.

Kosecki is one of only four players in program history to have scored more than 100 points. She ranks fourth all time in goals (42), third in assists (28) and fourth in points (112). Kosecki scored three goals in a 7-1 win over California in 2004, a total that had been exceeded only once in IUP history at the time.

She earned PSAC first-team honors in 2004 and 2006 and was a second-team selection in 2003 and 2005. Kosecki earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America all-region honors as both a sophomore and senior.

Kosecki graduated from IUP in 2008 with a degree in sport management and earned a master’s degree in health and physical education from her alma mater in 2012.

She is still active in soccer as a youth coach. Kosecki and her husband, Joshua, live in Apollo with their five children: Zering, 7; Adrena, 6; Antero, 4; Torin, 3; and Minka, 1. She is a stay-at-home mom.
 

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Personal Reflection: 

I would like to start by thanking the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame Committee for selecting me for this wonderful recognition. It is one of the most meaningful and personal honors I have ever received, and I am very proud to be a little piece of history here at IUP. 

You have many coaches in your life, but at IUP, I was blessed with the absolute best. I am forever indebted to my coaches, Mr. Magee and Mr. Mann, who not only mentored me on the field but also provided support and encouragement off the field. Their belief in me and their dedication to my development as an athlete have been instrumental in shaping the player and person I am today. 

I also want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the greatest soccer coach of all time, a coach I look up to and am very blessed to call my dad. His belief in my abilities, relentless dedication to my training and unwavering support have been the foundation of my success both on and off the field. He spent countless hours working with my sister and I, dedicating his time, energy and resources to ensure we had every opportunity to succeed.

I may not have loved every practice but I am grateful every single day that he pushed us to be our best. When I would score a goal, I would look over and he would have the biggest smile on his face and I knew he was so proud of me when really I was the one who was proud to be playing for him. One of my greatest memories was when we made history and won the PSAC. It was an indescribable feeling. We have won many games and tournaments together, but there is something very special about sharing a college championship with your dad. Thank you, Dad, for the sacrifices you made to support our dreams.

I also want to thank my mom for her incredible dedication. She would rearrange her entire schedule to make sure I could attend my practices and games. Her sacrifices, love and support have been crucial to my journey. Thank you, Mom, for always being there and making it all possible. Together, my parents have been my rock, and I am eternally grateful for their love and support. 

I want to thank my little sister Viann for being there every step of the way. We grew up training together and survived all of dad’s practices together. I wouldn’t have gotten through them without you. 

I would like to thank my amazing teammates who made this all possible. We endured everything together. I have so many wonderful memories, and I am grateful for the friendships. College soccer was a very special time in my life. 

To my family, friends and all of those who have cheered me on throughout this journey, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your love, encouragement and support have meant the world to me, and I am forever grateful for your presence in my life. 

Once again, I want to thank the committee for allowing me to be a part of IUP's history and for inducting me into the Hall of Fame. This is an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you, IUP, for the memories.
 

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