Soccer players
are twice as nice

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Steve Kientzy and Mike Bradby had so much fun winning a championship together that they’ve decided to go for it again.
The duo and their Archbishop Ryan teammates won a Catholic League soccer title in 2003. Kientzy was a senior midfielder; Bradby was in his 11th year as the Raiders’ coach.
"It was a good feeling — probably the best feeling, actually," said Kientzy. "That’s what you go for all throughout high school. And to be able to get there during your senior year is huge."
After being crowned champions, Kientzy and Bradby parted ways with Archbishop Ryan and each other. Kientzy headed to Widener University to play soccer and study sports management. Bradby accepted a coaching job with the men’s soccer team at Holy Family University.
But it wasn’t long before the pair were reunited.
"Things didn’t work out at Widener, so I transferred to Holy Family my sophomore year," said Kientzy, who received a soccer scholarship to play with the Tigers. "I love it here. The school is great and I’m a lot closer to home. Plus, one of the main reasons I wanted to come here was coach. He’s a great coach and a good guy, and I wanted to go where he was."
Kientzy got used to a new team, a new school . . . but there also was a familiar face.
"I remember Steven calling me and saying, ‘I want to win another championship,’" said Bradby. "It’s an incredible feeling to hear that from somebody. And he wound up over here."
In 2005, Kientzy had 21 points and three assists during his debut season with the Tigers, helping his new teammates accomplish an 11-7-1 overall record.
"Playing here was a lot different from Widener because we’re all from the area here, so I’ve played against a lot of these guys in the Catholic League," said Kientzy. "Certain guys that I played with in high school — either at Ryan or just throughout the season — I know their styles, which is helpful. We know how each other plays, so we’re much better off."
The following year, Kientzy had another solid season with 19 points. But the Tigers experienced a bit of déjà vu — once again, their record was 11-7-1.
And now it’s time for Kientzy to step up as team captain for his final season at Holy Family.
"He’s really matured well since high school," said Bradby. "He takes responsibility very seriously. He looks out for his teammates. It’s been a pleasure coaching him. He is definitely one of the most talented players I’ve ever been involved with."
As the Times went to press this week, the Tigers’ record stood at 6-4. But a game against Saint Anselm on Sept. 15 delivered a tough break for Kientzy.
"The ball hit my wrist and snapped it backward," said the player, who will be in a cast for the next four weeks. "It’s horrible. I can barely play. It throws me off balance."
It’s the second time Kientzy has played soccer shorthanded. In 2005, during his sophomore year, the midfielder broke his right arm when a goalie came out in a breakaway and collided with him. Kientzy went airborne and landed on his arm.
"The kid breaks his arm a lot," Bradby said with a laugh. "But he’s a strong player and he means a lot to this program."
With his final collegiate season underway, Kientzy is working hard to make it memorable.
"I want to win the conference this year," he said. "I just want to win. I’m really sad about graduating because I want to keep playing soccer. I love the competition in college and the level of talent we face. I guess it has to come sometime, though."
Kientzy still has plenty of time to wear his Holy Family jersey. He can think of nothing better than to go out on top once more with his coach.
"We’ve been working together for probably about seven years now," said Bradby. "I just look at him and he already knows what I’m going to say or what we need to do. I don’t have to tell him where to go, or to tell somebody to get something done. He just knows. There is a pretty close relationship there." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com