SBU's Katie Krisko Signs Pro Contract

Former St. Bonaventure women's soccer defensive standout Katie Krisko has signed a professional contract to join Gustafs GoIF in Sweden's Second Division.

Krisko, who graduated in May, was a four-year starter for the Bonnies, anchoring the defensive backline for the Brown and White each season. She will join her new team in Sweden on Friday.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to continue my soccer career in Sweden," Krisko said. "I'm anxious to get back on the field and make an impact. I can't thank my family, coaches and friends enough for all their support and encouragement in helping me do what I love."

A native of Ashland, Ohio, Krisko made an immediate impact for SBU in her first season, being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team. Krisko started 17 of 19 games, helping lead the Bonnies to five shutouts and also chipped in with two game-winning goals and 10 points on the campaign (4 G, 2 A).

Krisko played every minute of every A-10 game at center back during her freshman season, helping the Bonnies hold their final eight regular-season opponents to just eight total goals en route to a berth in the A-10 Tournament.

The postseason – which the program had reached only once prior to Krisko's freshman year – became the norm by her senior season as she helped guide Bonaventure to four consecutive A-10 Tournament appearances.

"This is a great opportunity for Katie," head coach Manoj Khettry said. "I couldn't be happier that she gets to continue playing beyond college, and hopefully she can continue to play for as long as she wishes.

"She had opportunities to play in other countries, but this is the best and highest level for her right now. I have no doubt Katie will take full advantage of this, and hopefully this will lead to other opportunities for our players in the coming years."

Krisko was one of just three players to start all 20 games this past season and aided in the Bonnies picking up seven shutouts on the campaign. She also contributed two assists – one coming in the A-10 Tournament – and a game-winning goal.

All told, Krisko helped backstop 24 shutouts over her four-year career. Out of the backfield she tallied 17 points in her career on six goals and five assists and was part of 42 victories. Krisko is a member of the first Bona senior class in program history to have graduated with a double-digit win average each of the four seasons.

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