Kyle Knotek

Classroom

Knotek has set a new standard for performance in the classroom by a Huskie by acheiving a perfect 4.00 GPA in the renowned NIU College of Business. As a business administration major, Knotek was named an ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American second team member in 2008, adding to an impressive list of academic awards. That list also includes two selections to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference Team, and MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors. According to his academic counselor, “Kyle has done more than excel in the classroom. He’s been perfect in it. Very few students maintain a 4.0 through NIU’s business school.”

Character

Always the first to help a downed opponent to his feet and offer a conciliatory handshake to a victorious rival, Kyle Knotek leads as an example to more than just his teammates. Knotek’s persistent pace of play and unyielding sense of sportsmanship offer a roadmap to success for fans, members of the community, and peers, both in and out of the classroom. Teammate Aaron Zendejas says: “There isn’t a more capable leader, caring person, or truer friend than Kyle.”

Community

Knotek’s heart for the community is present while he volunteers at a soccer camp for moms to raise money for breast cancer research, and it shines through when he gives back to NIU by helping beautify the campus. But Knotek’s true heart for serving shines brightest when working with children. At a recent elementary school fair, Knotek led a group of his teammates who volunteered to work a series of games so parents could enjoy the night with their children. The kids instantly took to Knotek for his long hair, and life-loving perspective. And Knotek took to the kids, as well, offering to be a role model the children can truly look up to. The university’s CHAMPS/Life Skills Director says: “The kids love him, and they look up to Kyle like superhero.”

Competition

The second-most experienced player on the Northern Illinois roster, Knote has started 48 of the 52 matches in which he’s played. Last year, as a junior, Knotek started 20 of 21 matches, including all three MAC Tournament games. The Huskies held their opponents scoreless for 285 minutes of that tournament with Knotek anchoring the backline. During his sophomore season, Knotek played an integral role on a team that upended No. 9 Northwestern and assisted two goals. As a freshman for the Huskies’ 2006 MAC Championship team, Knotek played in 14 matches, and started in 11, including the MAC title game, and both NCAA Tournament matches.