STEFAN STOKIC ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

KANSAS CITY (December 18, 2020) – Longtime Comets defender, Stefan Stokic announced today that he was retiring from professional arena soccer. Stokic will remain on the Comets bench as the team’s Assistant Coach to Head Coach, Leo Gibson.  

Stokic’s Comets career comes to a sooner-than-expected end after the Belgrade, Serbia native tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a recent practice. The setback for the Park University graduate created a difficult decision for the 10-year Comets veteran. 

“When it happened (the ACL tear), I realized that my career was over,” said Stokic. “Yeah, I could have rehabbed and come back next year, but I have a family now, so retirement seemed like the best choice for them and me. But I still wanted to be around the team and the environment, so being able to join Leo’s staff will allow me to do that. I know that I left everything I had on the field when I played, and I want to coach that same mentality into these young guys on the team and help the Comets win in a different way now.”

For his Comets career which began when the team relaunched in November, 2010, Stokic finishes with 21 goals, 30 assists for 65 points while playing in 169 games. Stokic was notorious for throwing his body in front of countless shots throughout his career. 

“Stefan has given his all to the Comets organization for over 10 years’ said Comets Managing Partner, Brian Budzinski. “He is the definition of a true professional and what a leader of men looks like. The saying goes that when one door closes another one opens. That couldn’t be more the case here. I am delighted that Stefan will now be Coach Stefan and continue to serve the Comets organization as Assistant Coach.”

The Kansas City Comets 2020-21season kicks off this Saturday night at Cable Dahmer Arena (formerly Silverstein Eye Centers Arena). Group tickets are on sale now. For the latest news and information, visit KCComets.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. 

For tickets and information call 888-9-COMETS (266387)