Quick Facts
Biography
Nicole Marie Krzysik (born May 23, 1987) is an American-born Polish soccer defender and midfielder. She is currently signed with FC Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League and plays for the Poland national team. She previously played for the Chicago Red Stars and the Philadelphia Independence in the WPS, and the United States U-20 women's national soccer team.
Early life
Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to parents, Linda and Joseph Krzysik, Nikki attended Clifton High School in her hometown of Clifton, New Jersey. She set the school's records for goals scored in a season with 21 and career goals with 55. In 2004, she was named NSCAA High School Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She was also a two-time Parade Magazine All-American.
University of Virginia
Krzysik attended the University of Virginia where she anchored the Cavalier defense for four seasons. As a freshman in 2005, Krzysik started all 25 games. During her junior year, she started on a defensive unit that led the nation in goals against average (0.40) and set a school record with 15 shutouts. She was named All-ACC first team twice, in 2007 and 2008. As a senior, she was named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was a semi-finalist for the Hermann Trophy. She played every minute and led the defensive line that posted nine shutouts and allowed 5.1 shots per game. A versatile player, Krzysik scored three goals and provided three assists.
Playing career
Club
Chicago Red Stars, 2009
Krzysik was selected by the Chicago Red Stars of the WPS in the second round (13th overall) of the 2009 WPS Draft. She appeared in 14 games, making 10 starts during the 2009 season.
Philadelphia Independence, 2010–11
Krzysik was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Philadelphia Independence during the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft. She appeared in 23 games for a total of 2030 minutes during the 2010 season.
Krzysik returned to the Independence for the 2011 season and was named captain of the team after two games into the season. She was also nominated for WPS Defender of the Year.
FC Kansas City, 2014–
Krzysik was selected as the first pick (second overall) by the Seattle Reign FC in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft for the inaugural season of the NWSL; however, she opted not to play. In 2013, her player rights were traded to FC Kansas City.
International
Krzysik represented the United States at the U-16, U-1, U-21, U-23 levels. She played for the United States at the 2004 U-19 and 2006 U-20 World Championships and was instrumental in the United States winning the 2006 CONCACAF U-20 Final Women’s Qualifying Tournament. In 2008, she made 11 starts for the United States U-23 women's national soccer team.
Krzysik made her first appearance for Poland in the fall of 2013.