Georgetown mourns the passing of Krzysztof Kowalski

Georgetown College is saddened by the sudden passing of 2024 graduate Krzysztof Kowalski on Wednesday, November 27. He was 23 years old.

Kowalski came to Georgetown from Ostroleka, Poland in the fall of 2020 and made an immediate impact on the campus and newly established men’s volleyball program. On the court, Kowalski was an All-Mid-South Conference First Team honoree four times, including Player of the Year in 2022. He was named American Coaches Volleyball Association (AVCA) All-American from 2022-24.

Georgetown won 3 Mid-South Conference championships during his time as a Tiger. The crowning athletic achievement came in the spring of 2024 when Kowalski led Georgetown to the NAIA National Championship. In doing so, Kowalski was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He was also named the 2023-24 Mid-South Conference Male Student-Athlete of the Year.

“Krzysztof transcended the normal student-athlete role in so many ways,” said Georgetown College Vice President of Athletics, Chris Oliver. “His exceptional achievements on the court and in the classroom are evident, but the relationships that he built with his teammates, coaches, professors, and many friends cannot be measured.  He drew others in with his personality and smile, and he spread much joy to anyone who got to know him.  He will be deeply missed.”

Off the court, Kowalski was a multi-time NAIA Scholar Athlete and Mid-South Conference All-Academic honoree. He graduated from Georgetown Magna Cum Laude with a triple major in Finance, Business Administration, and Economics with a minor in accounting. Kowalski carried a 3.86 GPA and was named the 2024 Georgetown College Outstanding Senior in Business Administration.

"This is devastating news for all of us at Georgetown College. Kris was a truly exceptional individual, a natural leader as well as an amazing athlete and gifted student—larger than life is so many ways. My heart breaks at the news of his passing," said Georgetown College President Rosemary Allen. 

Kowalski also spent his years at Georgetown working in the school library assisting students, faculty, and staff. He also worked in athletics game day operations for his entire Georgetown career. From setting up and directing athletics’ live streams, to keeping score at various games, and anything else that was asked, Kowalski always said yes and did it with his usual affable and generous nature.

After graduating from Georgetown, Kowalski went to work as a graduate assistant women's volleyball coach at Lindsey Wilson College. While there, Kowalski helped lead the Blue Raiders to the Mid-South Conference Championship and a berth in the NAIA Tournament. He was also nearing the completion of his MBA in Data Science, while still aspiring towards a playing career in professional volleyball.

Former Georgetown Men’s Volleyball Head Coach, Andrew Palmer, spoke about his relationship with Krzysztof. “[He] was an incredible human being. He had a drive and passion in all areas of his life but still brought joy and laughter into everything he did. Krzysztof came to Georgetown during the pandemic when our program was just starting. He wanted to study in the United States and play volleyball. I remember our zoom call just talking about the vision, the idea and how he would be a part of it all. I can still hear him saying “that sounds incredible,” Palmer said.

“Once he was here, I saw the man I knew he was. He was a man of focus, passion, and was driven to be at his best and demanded his teammates follow suit. As hardworking as he was, I never saw a day without him laughing or smiling, cheering on his teammates, cracking jokes and bringing a high level of fun to the program,” Palmer continued. “His zeal for life and pursuit of dreams has impacted me tremendously. I cherish the conversations we had about life, traveling and enjoying every moment. Krzysztof’s impact on people’s lives and the community of Georgetown cannot be measured. I hope we can all find comfort in having Krzysztof in our lives and the memories we have with him. I want to send prayers and love to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. I’ll miss you, Krzysztof.”

A visitation service will take place at the John L. Hill Chapel, on the campus of Georgetown College this Wednesday from 5:00pm-8:00pm. A memorial service will follow from 8:00pm-9:00pm inside the chapel. The arrangements are being handled by Tucker, Yocum and Wilson of Georgetown. Those who cannot attend the visitation and service are welcome to leave comments on the memorial wall at this link.

Lindsey Wilson College is also hosting a memorial service on Tuesday at 8:00pm ET on their campus in Columbia, KY. Burial will take place at a later date in Krzysztof’s hometown in Poland.

Donations are being accepted to cover funeral services and burial costs. To make a donation, click here.

The entire Georgetown College community extends our deepest condolences and to family, loved ones, friends, and all who are affected by the passing of Krzysztof Kowalski. You are in our thoughts and prayers. An athlete to some, a friend to all, and a Tiger forever. Krzysztof Kowalski will never be forgotten.