Lynn University Fighting Knights

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University, its athletic department and the entire University community is mourning following the loss of student-athlete Kyle Conrad.  A senior from Jensen Beach, Fla., Conrad died at 1:40 p.m. Saturday, December 11, following injuries suffered from an accident Friday night/Saturday morning.

Scheduled to graduate this May with a degree in Sports & Recreation Management, Conrad was a four-year letter winner with the Fighting Knights men’s soccer team.  This past season he led the squad with 11 goals, four assists and 26 points to cap off an incredible playing career.  For his efforts in 2010, he was honored as a Daktronics Third Team All-American, First Team All-South Region and Second Team All-Sunshine State Conference selection.

The midfielder became just the fourth player in the program’s illustrious history to accumulate 100 career points, and first since 1995, while also being the fourth-highest scorer with 39 goals.  During his time in Boca, he helped lead the Blue & White to three NCAA Tournament appearances and three Sunshine State Conference titles.

Away from the pitch, Kyle was an exceptional student, boasting a 3.79 cumulative grade-point average.  He was the first student-athlete in school history, from any sport, to garner First Team ESPN Academic All-District accolades three times and was twice named an ESPN Academic All-American, including this year.

In addition to his school and playing career, Kyle was an important figure around campus.  He interned with the Lynn Sports Information and Marketing Departments and was a constant supporter of the entire student-athlete community.
 
Everything he achieved was due to his exceptional work ethic, drive to succeed and heart of a champion.  A fantastic person dedicated to his friends and family, studies and the men’s soccer program, Kyle is survived by his parents, Mary Ann and Sherman, and his sisters Kristen and Kayla. 

Here are some thoughts about Kyle from those who knew him:

Lynn University President Kevin M. Ross – “Kyle represented the best of Lynn. He was an excellent student, wonderful teammate and just a great person. I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a promising young man, and my condolences go out to his family.”

Director of Athletics Kristen Migliano – “Kyle was a person who lived with exemplary character and resolve.  He was a hard worker and leader, not only among the men’s soccer team but all student-athletes.  I’ll always remember him greeting me with an infectious smile and tremendous warmth.” 

Head Soccer Coach John Rootes - "We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Kyle Conrad today.  Kyle was one of the finest examples of a true scholar-athlete as I have had the honor of working with in my 23 years of coaching.  He was loved and respected by his teammates. We were blessed to have Kyle in our lives."

Director of Student-Athlete Services Sara Quatrocky – “Kyle was a part of my first ever Champs Life Skills class [four years ago] and he shone bright even as a freshman.  His personality was a joy to be around and thinking about putting up his final Academic All-America plaque gives me great sorrow.”

Director of Compliance, Jeff Schaly – “Kyle was the epitome of a student-athlete. He was one of those rare people that ranked among the best in the country both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Kyle was a truly special young man.”

Sports Information Director Chad Beattie – “Kyle was an outstanding human being who accomplished so much during his time on Earth.  He touched the lives of many with his enthusiasm while his commitment to friends and family was unmatched.  I am extremely honored to have known him as a player, intern and, more importantly, friend.”

Teammate and captain of the men’s soccer team Scott Gordon – “The thing about Kyle is that he had the best spirit of anyone I’ve ever met in my life.  He was genuinely a good person and words cannot sum up how I or the team feels about him.  Kyle was a player we could always count on to give it his best and a person we always knew would bring the best out of us.”

From former teammate and MLS player Jean Alexandre – “Kyle had the heart of a champion.  He never stopped running and never quit.  That’s the type of person Kyle was, a champion who gave it his all always.”