An outstanding student-athlete on the women's soccer team from 1996–98, Julie Stazer Pikiewicz left a lasting mark on the program and has continued to reflect Gannon's highest ideals through her professional career and community involvement.
During her time at Gannon, Pikiewicz distinguished herself as one of the premier players in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). In 1996, she earned GLIAC Player of the Week honors, was named to the GLIAC First Team All-Conference, and received the Erie County Farms Woman in Sports Award. That season also brought national recognition, as she was selected to the NSCAA All–Great Lakes Region Team. Her impact on the program extended beyond individual accolades, as she received the Senior Recognition Award for being instrumental in Gannon's winning 1996 season.
Pikiewicz continued her exceptional play in 1997, once again earning NSCAA All–Great Lakes Region honors and GLIAC First Team All-Conference recognition. She served as team captain and was named the team's Most Valuable Player, while also receiving a second Senior Recognition Award for her key role in another successful season. Her excellence on and off the field led to her nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year, one of the highest honors recognizing the totality of a student-athlete's impact.
Academically, Pikiewicz set a standard of achievement that matched her athletic success. She was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1996 and was the recipient of Gannon University academic, leadership, and soccer scholarships from 1996–98. In 1998, she earned the Gannon Academic Award for Excellence in Elementary Education and the President's List Award for achieving Dean's List recognition every semester. She graduated magna cum laude with a 3.85 GPA, was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and received the prestigious Doc Beyer Award for Excellence in Athletics and Academics. She later continued her academic journey by earning a master's degree in Education in August of 2005.
Following graduation, Pikiewicz dedicated her life to education, coaching, and community service. She has served as an elementary teacher in the Harborcreek School District since 1998, impacting generations of students through her commitment to learning and leadership. She also led the Harborcreek Girls Varsity Soccer Program as head coach from 1998–2003. Currently, she serves as a third grade teacher at Clark Elementary School.
Perhaps most notably, Pikiewicz has played a transformative role in youth soccer development in the region. She was instrumental in initiating soccer programs at Seneca High School and in securing fields and facilities to support the sport's growth. In 2011, she founded the Seneca Soccer Club for children in grades K–6, an organization that has benefited hundreds of young athletes. Serving as vice president from 2011–14 and president from 2014–18, she continues to support and guide the club's mission. Her coaching résumé includes years of service with EYSA summer soccer, YMCA indoor and outdoor leagues, free soccer skills clinics, and Seneca Soccer Club teams at multiple levels.
