KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our next coach in the spotlight is KU women's soccer coach Erik Burstein.
 
Burstein enters his 14th season at the helm in 2020. He is the winningest coach in program history. Burstein has transformed Kutztown women's soccer into a nationally-acclaimed program, with the Golden Bears qualifying for the NCAA Division II Championship tournament nine times under his watch and appearing in the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) National Poll in each of the past 12 seasons. KU reached the DII national semifinals in 2016 and ascended to No. 1 in the national coaches poll for first time in program history during the 2017 season.
 
Burstein is a 2002 graduate of Stockton University (formerly Richard Stockton College), with a degree in communications.
 
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "It's a fantastic place. Everything from the campus, to the community, it just an awesome place to be. The campus is absolutely stunning, a combination of modern and historic buildings and beautiful landscaping everywhere, it just feels like home. Once you see the place you just fall in love with it. Downtown Kutztown is great, such an appealing place to walk around, grab a bite to eat, get a coffee, or just hang out. Also, for me personally, I absolutely love my colleagues. They are supportive, they work hard and they are always willing to share ideas and help out. I value them immensely."
 
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "On campus, my favorite place is Keystone Field or the waterfall at Alumni Plaza. Off campus, Tommy Boys!"
 
Why did you get into coaching? "During my playing career, I was offered an opportunity to coach a U14 boys team which, I reluctantly accepted. However, once I began working with the players, and I began to see them execute the things I was asking them to do, I just fell in love with the process, and the challenges of getting a group of athletes on the same page and teaching them how to work within a system. During this process you can see that you are having a positive impact on these players, and that was the moment I felt I needed to do this for as long as possible."
 
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "I have had so many great memories during the course of my playing and coaching career, but for me, looking back on all the players I have worked with and seeing them in their professional careers, starting families and moving on from college athletics into their adult lives is something I find so enjoyable. It brings back so many great memories of the times we worked together. When they come back to campus and we reminisce about their playing careers and experiences with our women's soccer program. These are absolutely my greatest memories."
 
What are any gameday rituals? "I usually get to the office early and obsess over the scouting report and re-watch game film. This eventually leads me to Keystone Field where I put on music, walk around the facility and help with the field set up for the game. I guess it is a way to burn off the nervous energy."
 
Favorite professional team and/or player? "I am a devout Manchester United fan."
 
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "I really don't know."
 
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "I love being with my wife and kids. As a coach, you don't get a lot of family time, so any opportunity I get to be a husband and a father is fantastic."
 
Favorite movie and tv show? "90 Day Fiancée, and I am NOT sorry about that. I am hooked and can't get enough! I also love Ink Master. As for a movie, tough call. Although I was never into comic books, I absolutely love the Marvel movies."
 
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "Invest in your process! Everyone is going to tell you where you should go, or what level you should play at. The funny thing is, many of the people providing the advice haven't been to the campuses you are looking at, and most times they know very little about the programs you are considering. Remember, you are the one that has to go to the school, and you are the one who has to compete day-in-and-day-out within the program you choose.  Make sure the decision is right for you based on how you feel and the research you have done. Every program has something to offer, the question is, what things are important to you?"