Algoma University Athletics announced Thursday, August 15th the appointment of Maksym Kowal as the interim Head Coach of the women’s soccer team. With a wealth of experience both on and off the field, Kowal brings a dynamic and strategic approach to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Kowal’s journey in soccer began with club football at USC Karpaty and then Erin Mills Eagles. His talent earned him an athletic scholarship to a Division 1 University in Buffalo, NY. As a professional soccer player for ten years, Kowal played as a striker in six countries: England, Poland, New Zealand, Canada, the US, and Germany.
In 2018, Kowal created Complete Striker Training, an individual development company coaching players around the world. He started coaching while still playing in 2016, most notably as an assistant coach at League 1 Prostars FC and at the U-17 level in Germany. He holds the Canadian C License and the UEFA B License in Germany.
“Achievements are very hard to come by in soccer, as the nature of the sport is so competitive,” Kowal says. However, some of his notable achievements include being named the 2019 League 1 Ontario MVP and Golden Boot playing with Vaughan Azzurri, achieving promotion to 1 Liga with LKS Lodz in Poland, and being the top goal scorer in the Landespokal Mecklenburg-Vorpommern German Cup with nine goals in the 2022/23 season. He also played in the TST 1 Million Dollar Tournament against the likes of Aguero, Nani, and Ricardinho in 2024.
“I believe my coaching philosophy is a mixture of my personality as a player, as well as influences from Dutch, German, and English soccer,” Kowal explains. While he has a defined coaching philosophy, he emphasizes the importance of first assessing the team and individual players to determine what will bring the team success. Building a strong team starts with earning the trust of the players and creating unity and team spirit. Tactically, players will receive the necessary guidance to learn on both individual and team levels. Kowal aims to create an environment where players are resilient, have a winning mentality, and will fight for their team.
Kowal acknowledges that the program is in a reset. “I am excited to bring a breath of fresh air to the program and to embark on a new journey and perspective for the team,” he says.
“The important part is for me to build the foundation of this new culture,” Kowal states. He aims to create an environment where every player feels valued and understands their role on and off the field. The team will set its own objectives for the season and work to progress from there.
“From my long journey in the professional game as a player, the most exciting and pivotal point is the beginning. New season, new faces, new opportunities, and challenges! I want the players to know that you can create the most remarkable achievements when you lock in and commit to the cause. Looking forward to this new journey ahead.”
With Kowal leading, the Algoma University women’s soccer team will be ready for an exciting and transformative season. The Thunderbirds community eagerly anticipate the positive changes and successes that Coach Kowal will bring to the program.
You can catch Kowal’s coaching debut during our home opener weekend, held at 750 North Street in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
Saturday August 31st vs. Western at 1pm/3:15pm
Sunday September 1st vs. Western at 1pm/3:15pm
Source: Algoma Thunderbird Athletics
