University of New Haven Athletics

John Kowalski was a key element of the back row that posted 19 shutouts in four seasons for Joe Machnik and the New Haven men’s soccer team.

Also the program’s backup goalkeeper, he was a three-time All-New England selection on the teams that participated in the Chargers’ first-ever ECAC and NCAA Championships.

Kowalski returned as an assistant coach on the pitch, helping guide New Haven to five NCAA postseason appearances, including the 1976 National Championship Game and the 1977 Final Four.