Rice soccer senior Haley Kostyshyn turned heads in her first full collegiate season. Healthy and ready, her final season could be spectacular.
There was excitement when Ontario-native Haley Kostyshyn arrived in Houston. A member of the 2015 Rice soccer recruiting class, her journey at South Main began somewhat quietly. Kostyshyn came off the bench in her first two seasons, earning two starts as a reserve before an injury stole her entire junior season.
That’s how Kostyshyn, in her senior year, saw her first extended action as a full-time player. The results were spectacular. Even though she was eighth on the team in minutes played, she led the team in points. Despite ceding time to other players, she tied for the team-lead in goals with Louise Stephens, who played 213 more minutes — nearly two and a half full games.
The stellar season was a pleasant surprise for Rice soccer coach Brian Lee. “I didn’t even know if she would actually play,” he admitted.
Not only did she play, she made the most of her time on and off the pitch. Lee said she worked hard and remained committed to “becoming the best player she can be.” Kostyshyn showcased some of that this fall, setting the stage for a terrific finale in 2020.
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Kostyshyn is expected to lead the Owls next season. No longer on the mend, she’ll contend for All-Conference honors with a ceiling that Lee describes as “very high”, reaching into the professional ranks. For her, so much has changed in such a short time. It’s been quite a transformation, but all it took was a chance.
Lee wasn’t bashful when it comes to talks of Kostyshyn’s future. “She certainly can do even more,” he said. “She’s good.” If Kostyshyn’s can be that good in her first full season, the future is certainly bright indeed.
