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There are special senior classes and then there is the Class of 2022, which like previous classes, will be defined by its contributions to a Patriot League Championship team and success had during the entirety of the 2019 season.
This class, which includes two fifth-year seniors, features a combo of seven All-Patriot League selections including three for Stevo Bednarsky, two for Josh Luchini and one each for Trevor Koski and Nick Jennings.
With skill, talent and overall top-notch leaders both on and off the field, each and every member of this senior class will be missed in their own unique ways.
Lehighsports.com caught up with the seven seniors being honored at halftime of Lehigh’s important contest vs. Boston University on Saturday evening.
#00 Noah Sutherland – GK – Richmond, Va. – Finance
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
NS: The Pittsburgh overnight trip this year was my favorite Lehigh soccer memory. It was incredible to play against such a highly ranked team, in their new stadium with a ton of fans screaming at me behind the goal. On top of that I got to room with Jack Sarkos, and we had some great late-night pillow talk both nights we were there. Little things like that are what have made my experience at Lehigh so special.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NS: I came into Lehigh pretty worried that I would never be as close to the guys here as I was with my friends in high school. It took me until freshman preseason to realize that the guys in my class would be my brothers for the rest of my life. I went through a lot while I was at Lehigh both on and off the field but one thing that always remained constant in my life was my fellow seniors and I will forever be indebted to each and every one of them for the impact they have already had on my life. That being said, I’m hoping to make a lot more memories with them as we finish out our senior year and start moving on into the “real world”.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NS: Even though it is cliché, the word I would use is bittersweet. It is bitter because I am ending my soccer playing career with all of my best friends on the team and on top of that I can’t play my own senior night because I am still getting over a concussion. That’s been pretty tough for me because I would do anything to play just one more game with all of these guys. However, it is also sweet because I am excited for what is coming next, whatever and wherever that may be because I know all of these guys will be in my life for a very long time. Dawson Berger and I are already planning on where we are getting our vacation house together, so I’m not too worried about staying in touch with the guys.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
NS: THE BOYS. I don’t know what the other guys have said, and this will be embarrassing if they don’t all say it as well, but I would bet a lot of things on the fact that each of the guys in our class would say the same thing. Whenever I talk to anyone on the team who is going through something, whether it be a tough time in school, an injury, or just missing home, the one thing that is always keeping each of us going is the boys. Not many people know this, but I was pretty close to transferring after I tore my ACL for the second time. I didn’t have a positive connotation when it came to Lehigh as I had been injured at that time for most of my career here. I can fully say that the biggest thing that kept me here at Lehigh at that time was my fellow seniors and all of the guys on the team, and I am so glad that I decided to stay and grind back from injury to just practice and play with my best friends.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
NS: The coaching staff throughout my years has been really good about balancing what goes on off the field and on the field, and has helped me feel like I have a family here in Bethlehem even when I am six hours from home.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
NS: The one thing I hope to pass down to the younger classes is the idea of appreciation. Appreciation that we get meals and trips and gear paid for. Appreciation that we get to go to such a great school while playing soccer. Appreciation that we get to play a game that we love every single day with our best friends in the world. And appreciation that we get to make those best friends. Carrying that attitude of appreciation through the younger generations of Lehigh men’s soccer will not only make them better soccer players, but I hope better men.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NS: I am planning on attending graduate school to study Financial Engineering and hope to play one last year of soccer.
#3 Dawson Berger – D – Allentown, Pa. – Mechanical Engineering
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
DB: My favorite memory from Lehigh Soccer was the night we won the Patriot League Tournament in 2019.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DB: Our senior class is a very tight group and has created a strong bond that helps us on and off the field.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DB: My feelings going into senior night are centered around my parents and family. I hope that what I have achieved in my academic and athletic career has made my parents proud and has been a source of enjoyment for them over the years. I owe a lot of my success to them.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
DB: I will miss the friends that I have grown so close to while at Lehigh as we continue to move down different paths.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
DB: Having this coaching staff has helped me become more prepared for the working world ahead of me.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
DB: I hope to have left behind a mentality of working hard in everything that you set your mind to. Your work ethic is something you can control and you can always strive to do your best.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DB: I have accepted a job offer from H. T. Lyons and plan to start after graduating in May.
#6 Trevor Koski – M – Bethlehem, Pa. – Philosophy
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
TK: My favorite moment was winning the championship in 2019. It is a feeling I will remember as long as I live.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
TK: I had the unique opportunity to be close with both my senior class that graduated in 2021, and this next class of 2022. We took the class of 2022 under our wing when they were freshman, and now Stevo and I get to share the field with them as seniors, which I find pretty cool.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
TK: I am feeling very grateful to have had five years with this team. I’m glad l that I never took any of it for granted and enjoyed every moment of my career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
TK: I will miss seeing my teammates every day at practice, as well as our overnight away trips.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
TK: I couldn’t have asked for a better coaching staff. It’s a bit different having my dad as my coach, but it is still very special to me to put on this jersey and represent everything he has worked for. Coach Ryan Hess has had the biggest impact on me as a player, constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself on and off the field.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
TK: I hope people remember me for the jokester that I am. And to always remember that enjoying yourself and being happy is always most important thing. It is easiest to win when the mind is in a happy place, and when you can play with that sense of enjoyment.
What are your postgraduate plans?
Taking a coaching job with Lehigh Valley United as I finish my undergrad and then I will go from there.
#8 Stevo Bednarsky – M – Hackettstown, N.J. – Sociology/Anthropology
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
SB: There have been so many great memories in my time here, but without a doubt my favorite has to be winning the Patriot League Tournament in 2019. Just the way we played all season and to cap it off against Lafayette at home in the final just made it that much more special.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SB: They are such a great group of guys and feel so lucky to have them as teammates and best friends. They are a huge part of the reason I wanted to come back for a fifth year, to have another chance to share the field with them for one last go around.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SB: There have been a lot of emotions these past couple days leading up to the game this weekend, and I truly can’t believe how fast it all went by. But I will be sad knowing my Lehigh career is coming to an end, but at the same time feel so fortunate to be a part of this team and the history of this program.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
SB: Representing this school and playing in games is something I know I will miss a lot, but the thing I know I am going to miss most is the relationships that I have created over my five years here with everyone who is involved with this program, but most of all the relationships I have with my teammates and the daily shenanigans that happen every day at practice. It is something that I know will be hard to replace, but will for sure never forget.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
SB: I don’t even know where to begin in thanking Coach Koski and the rest of the staff for everything they have taught me in regards to soccer and more importantly in regards to the person I have become in my years learning from them. I’m sure anyone who has been in this program can attest to this, that Coach Koski and the rest of the staff are so much more than just coaches and since day one they have made me feel like an important part of the Lehigh Men’s soccer family.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
SB: Something Coach Koski has always mentioned to us is to try and leave this program in a better place than when you first arrived and that is something I have tried to accomplish throughout my years here and hope that my competitiveness, high spirit, love for the game and Lehigh soccer is well-received by the underclassman and it now becomes their turn to carry the torch.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SB: For the little kid in me whose dream was to play professional soccer, I will look to pursue a career in playing after Lehigh and further down the line the ultimate goal is to get into coaching. But, as long as I’m surrounded by the game, I will be happy.
#10 Michael Tahiru – F/M – Accra, Ghana – Finance and African Studies
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
MT: There is plenty to choose from but my favorite would be scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game against Lafayette in 2019. The atmosphere, the fans, and the celebration with my teammates after the goal will definitely stick with me forever.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MT: My relationship with my fellow seniors is great. We have all experienced growth in a number of ways since freshman year and it’s been great being part of each other’s journey. We have become teammates, friends and brothers.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MT: It’s actually a special night because it’s an important game and we will have to win to make the tournament so I don’t think it will hit me until halftime or after the game when I actually realize that was it. Time flies by so fast. I remember my first college game like it was yesterday. I was a bit nervous going into that game as a freshman. I look back at all the practices, games, pre-game speeches, the friendships and I am fortunate to be with this group of guys.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
MT: I will definitely miss the family atmosphere and the camaraderie on the team. This team has experienced some highs and lows and we stuck together through it all. No one ever points fingers at anyone. The support from the coaches and teammates have been incredible both on and off the field. We were given the opportunity to figure things out and grow as young men.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your careers.
MT: I have learned a lot from Coach Koski and the coaching staff during these past four years. I have developed as a player and seen growth in my personal life. Coach Koski and the coaching staff care about the welfare of the team both on and off the team. For me, I have learned life lessons about leadership and accountability which will stay with me forever.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
MT: There was a strong culture when I got here, but certainly with the program getting better and better, we have done our part to build on it. I hope we leave a legacy of excellence on and off the field, team spirit and pursuit of personal development.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MT: I am currently considering offers but I know I will be going into investment banking.
#15 Nick Jennings – D – Devon, Pa. – Finance
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
NJ: Winning the Patriot League Championship against Lafayette in front of a packed Ulrich Sports Complex.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NJ: We are a group who does everything together. Over the last four years we have spent almost every second together and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I know that after college, while we may not see each other as often, we will always be able to go to anyone in this class for anything.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NJ: I’m feeling a mix of emotions going in Senior Night. Mostly sadness as my favorite part of my college career is ending. Secondly, I’m wondering how in the world is it already Senior Night for our class?! It is a cliché that, “your four years in college will fly by”… but it could not be more true. Especially since we had to navigate the challenges of COVID, missing out on entire seasons and many days of training together.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
NJ: I will miss my teammates the most. The relationships created as a member of the Lehigh Men’s Soccer team are extremely special, and I’m really going to miss seeing each and every member of this team every day.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
NJ: Coach Koski, Hess, Bmac, and Jonny Blaine have been both amazing coaches and mentors throughout my four years here. It has been a privilege working with them on a daily basis as they’ve developed me both as a player and a person.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
NJ: I hope to leave a “winners” mentality here at Lehigh. Whether you’re playing one of Hess’s warmup games, or playing in a Patriot League Championship, just win.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NJ: After this year I will be working in either finance or real estate.
#19 Josh Luchini – F – Wexford, Pa. – Finance
What’s your favorite Lehigh Men’s Soccer memory up until this point?
JL: I think it would be hard for me to not say winning the PLC in 2019. Obviously there have been great moments during every year I’ve been here, but nothing will top a championship and being able to see your hard work finally pay off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JL: I love every single one of the guys in my class. We got lucky enough to have Stevo and Trevor added to that list for a year, but I wouldn’t trade any of my seniors for anything. I know the bonds we have made throughout these four years will last a lifetime and still many memories to be made.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JL: It just doesn’t feel real. Everyone tells you how fast college will all fly by, and you only realize they are right until you are at the point where I am. It makes me sad knowing that this will most likely be my last time playing at Ulrich, but I am going to try and cherish every last second of it.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men’s Soccer?
JL: I will definitely miss the group of guys that we have on this team the most. Our team is one of the closest-knit group of people/teams I have ever seen, and it’s an amazing feeling knowing you have 30 guys who have your back no matter what happens.
What has it meant to you personally and athletically to have had Coach Koski and his coaching staff during your career?
JL: I am grateful for Coach Koski and the rest of the coaching staff for everything they have done for me during my four years. They have taught me many valuable lessons and skills, and continue to help me grow as a player on the field, and also as a young man off the field.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
JL: The legacy I hope to leave is one of a hard working mentality and someone who loved to play the game of soccer. Although there have been many ups and downs throughout my years, I feel blessed every day to be able to play the game I love.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JL: As of now, I am planning on transferring after I graduate Lehigh to play somewhere else and go to grad school. I am not sure where I am going to end up yet.
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