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 lacrosse coach Jackie Stezzi.
 
Stezzi enters her fourth season as the head women's lacrosse coach at Kutztown University in 2021. In just her second season in 2019, KU won seven games to equal the most since the program's reinstatement prior to 2008. She guided an All-PSAC defender in her first year and an All-PSAC midfielder in year two. Prior to Kutztown, Stezzi spent eight years at Wilmington University, including the last six as head coach from 2012-17. She was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Coach of the Year in her initial season.
 
A 2009 graduate of Monmouth University, Stezzi was a four-year member of the Hawks lacrosse team. In her four seasons, Stezzi helped lead the squad to three regular season Northeast Conference titles (2005, 2006, 2008), along with two Northeast Conference Tournament Championship (2006, 2007). She also helped guide the Hawks to the first round of the NCAA National Tournament in 2007. Stezzi earned dual bachelor's degrees in political science and history from Monmouth.
 
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "Kutztown has a convenient central location in the middle of a few lacrosse hot spots. The beautiful campus, great academics, and playing in one of the strongest DII conferences in the country makes KU a great place to develop a championship caliber program."
 
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "Keystone Field and the fountains at Alumni Plaza. I have a favorite thing at all the businesses along Main Street."
 
Why did you get into coaching? "After I exhausted my eligibility, my head coach allowed me to volunteer as an assistant, and I learned so much that year. I fell in love with the process and everything that goes on behind the scenes of coaching. Once I graduated, I dove right in. My collegiate playing experience was incredibly challenging, rewarding, and helped shape who I am today. It inspired me to strive to provide female athletes with a similar gratifying experience."
 
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "As a player winning conference championships with my best friends, and playing internationally was a blast. I look forward to creating memorable moments here at KU as a coach."
 
What are any gameday rituals? "I am quite superstitious, so I have to do some mundane things in a specific order. I am well aware how ridiculous it is. I always wish my players a "Happy Game Day." I also like to get into the office a little early for some alone time to get focused."
 
Favorite professional team and/or player? "I grew up outside of Philly, so I'm a big Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers fan."
 
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "I love to compete, so maybe sales? Teaching or Athletic Administration? Politics?"
 
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "I love to travel with my husband, spending time with family and friends, concerts and music festivals. Nothing better than a great live band. Ocean City, N.J., is my happy place in the summer."
 
Any sports heroes growing up? "I loved watching Allen Iverson play as a kid."
 
Favorite movie and tv show? "Most shows on Showtime and HBO. Homeland, Kidding, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Crown, Chernobyl, Rick and Morty, 30 for 30, Hard Knocks, Parks and Recreation, Schitt's Creek, and I loved Game of Thrones until they ruined the last season."
 
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "Trust your gut, and make your decision based on what YOU want, not what you think is going to make someone else happy. There is a program/school for everyone, it's all about fit."
 
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? "I have quite a few, but I have always loved President Roosevelt's 'Citizenship in a Republic,' better known as 'The Man in the Arena' speech."