« Men’s Soccer 2010

Kyle Knotek

School
Northern Illinois University
Position
Defender
Major
Business Administration
G
0
A
2
PTS
2

Classroom

Kyle Knotek has achieved perfection in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in business administration. Knotek has twice been selected to the All-Mid-American Conference Academic team, picked up a handful of MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors and in 2008 he was named a second-team CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American. “Kyle has done more than excel in the classroom. He’s been perfect in it,” Knotek’s academic coordinator said. “Very few students maintain a 4.0 through NIU’s business school.”

Character

Always the first to help a downed opponent to his feet or to offer a conciliatory handshake to a victorious rival, Knotek has demonstrated character his entire playing career. But it was the work ethic, integrity and perserverance Knotek displayed in 2009 that revealed his true character. That year, on the first day of fall camp, Knotek went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and was forced to sit out the year. In 2010, Knotek returns to the pitch as the only member of the team with a MAC title ring. The unquestioned leader of this year’s squad, Knotek’s persistent pace of play and unyielding sense of sportsmanship offer a roadmap to success for fans, members of the community and peers. “There isn’t a more capable leader, caring person, or truer friend than Kyle,” teammate Aaron Zendejas said.

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 love him, and they look up to Kyle like superhero,” the university’s CHAMPS/Life Skills Director said.

Competition

The most experienced player on the Northern Illinois roster, Knotek has started 48 of the 52 matches in which he’s played. In 2008, 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. He also contributed to the 2006 MAC championship team.