Montclair State University Athletics

Stephanie Romanko was an integral part in propelling the women’s soccer into one of the upper echelon programs on the conference, regional and national levels. Romanko took over the starting goalkeeping spot in the Red Hawks lineup in September 1999 and spent four years in that position – literally. From that first game until her final contest in 2002, Romanko spent EVERY minute in goal for MSU setting an NCAA Division III record for minutes played with 7,842 minutes or the equivalent of nearly six straight days. But it just wasn’t the quantity of time Romanko spent in goal that was so impressive, but it was the quality. Appearing in 86 career games, she set Montclair State records in every goalkeeping category, including saves (356), goals against average (0.78) and wins (55). In fact in the 86 games Romanko held the opposition scoreless 45 times. She was named First-Team All-NJAC in her freshman year and in 2000 helped the Red Hawks to the ECAC Metro Championship as she led the NJAC in shutouts (14) and goals against average allowing just 13 in 23 games (0.42). After collecting All-NJAC honors in 2001, Romanko capped off her career in fine fashion earning just about every award possible. She was named First-Team All-NJAC, her third All-Conference selection and was chosen as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year after leading Montclair State to the first of three straight NJAC title games. She would be named to the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) All-Region First Team and became the first (and currently the only) Montclair State player to earn a spot on the NSCAA Division III All-America squad. One of the most talented athletes in Montclair State history, Romanko also played three seasons of softball helping the Red Hawks to three straight ECAC Championships. A solid centerfielder, she batted .290 with 41 RBI and swiped 37 bases in her career while earning All-NJAC honors in 2002.