BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - There is a saying that life comes full circle. That is exactly what has taken place for Chelsea Czarnik (unavailable) who played one year of soccer under Coach Bill O'Neill in 2016. Now, she has been named Assistant Coach for Bryn Athyn College women's soccer. Czarnik has grown up in the northeast Philadelphia area. She played her high school soccer at St. Basil where she was a four year starter and an All Academy selection. Coming out of high school in 2010, Czarnik suited up for Division II West Chester University where she helped the Rams to national rankings in 2010 and 2011. In the 2010 season, she was apart of the team that won the PSAC Championship and went on to win the Atlantic Regional Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the national tournament.
Significant injuries would deter Czarnik's playing career, and it forced her to pivot into coaching. She started her coaching career in 2014 at the club and high school level. Czarnik thrived as a coach. She was an assistant for William Penn Charter School. Her roles included developing and implementing training sessions every week based on the upcoming opponent and collaborate coaches to formulate a weekly game plan. Penn Charter has experienced great success winning 2014, 2016, and 2018 Inter-AC Championships and the 2014 and 2019 PAISAA State Championships. At the club level, Czarnik coached for Philadelphia Soccer Club. She was responsible for coordinating and running training sessions, game management, holding team meetings, developing and implementing practice and game plans based on upcoming schedule, running and training club in-house program, worked directly with players to facilitate progression and development. Czarnik was the head coach for the U18 Coppa Falcons which ranked top 10 in the state of Pennsylvania and she was the head coach of the 2006 Coppa Elite which ranked top 5 in the state.
Coach O'Neill ended up getting Czarnik to play one final season with Bryn Athyn in 2016. Czarnik shined. She appeared in 14 matches and started 13. She ranked second on the team in goals (6) and assists (2). She tied for the lead in points with 14.
Coach Bill O'Neill on the addition of Czarnik to the staff, "I couldn't be more excited to have Chelsea be a part of our coaching staff this upcoming year. Chelsea is one of the hardest working people I know. Chelsea has had a ton of success coaching at the club level and as an assistant at the high school level. Chelsea will be a great asset in our recruiting efforts as well as guiding our current players grow through the program."
Czarnik said, "I am so grateful and excited to join Bill O'Neill's coaching staff and to be a part of the Bryn Athyn College Athletic Department. Bryn Athyn has been an amazing part of my own journey. I am looking forward to a successful season and having a positive impact on the student-athletes and the women's soccer program.
Women's soccer returns to the pitch on September 1, 2021 to take on the Albright Lions in their season opener.
O'Neill adds Czarnik to coaching staff for women's soccer
Aug 03, 2021 · Women's Soccer
BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - There is a saying that life comes full circle. That is exactly what has taken place for Chelsea Czarnik who played one year of soccer under Coach Bill O'Neill in 2016. Now, she has been named Assistant Coach for Bryn Athyn College women's soccer. Czarnik has grown up in the northeast Philadelphia area. She played her high school soccer at St. Basil where she was a four year starter and an All Academy selection. Coming out of high school in 2010, Czarnik suited up for Division II West Chester University where she helped the Rams to national rankings in 2010 and 2011. In the 2010 season, she was apart of the team that won the PSAC Championship and went on to win the Atlantic Regional Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in the national tournament.