Tiernay Dirks (Tilford) - St. Vrain FC Class of 2004

Where did you go to college and did you play soccer for the college?
Bowling Green State University

Please share a quick bit about what you are up to?
I accepted a full ride scholarship to Bowling Green State University and in my four year won two Mid American Conference Championships, appeared in the MAC Tournament all four years of my career, two NCAA tournament appearances and was captain my senior year. Since graduating in 2008 I have professionally been a part of the Saint Vrain FC (now Real Colorado). I am now the Recreational Director of Coaching and head coach of our 2012 Junior Academy girls group. I live in Longmont Colorado with my husband, Jake and three kids Della (6) Cordy (3) and Nellie Mae (1).

Favorite Food?
Italian

First concert you went to and where?
Nappy Roots at the Boulder Theater.

When did you come to Real Colorado?
U10 or younger

Favorite Movie?
Spider-Man: No Way Home, Encanto (because kids), Legends of the Fall and A League of Their Own.

What team did you play at for Real Colorado?
St. Vrain Express Blue (top team) would not be related to the Real Colorado Invictus teams

Who were some of the coaches your remember?
I was coached by the same two coaches in my St. Vrain Express career. Both of which I still am in contact with. I was coached in the summers by Lorne on the Denver Cougars that that was something I won't forget. He gave me a different angle to look at the game. One I will never forget.

What is a best memory(ies) at Real Colorado?
I always enjoyed the traveling tournaments. It was a chance to grow closer to my teammates and be in a new atmosphere battling in college showcases.

What do you view as the most important qualities you learned as a player that apply to your current life?
As a young player I learned that resilience, diligence and coachability would take me a long way. I continue to use these traits in my adult life not only for myself but teaching my young players. Goal setting is a crucial step as an athlete and goals don't come easy. It takes planning, integrity and the willingness to reach out to others around you. As a coach I enjoy helping my players towards their goals based off of lessons I learned myself as a player.

If you could go back in time and talk to yourself when you first started playing, what advise would you give?
Don't take life too seriously. Its ok to love what you do, be competitive and want to achieve high goals but its also ok to laugh and have fun doing it.

What is a key life lesson you learned from playing soccer at Real Colorado?
Soccer is life. I grew up in this sport, fell in love with this sport and work in this sport. Soccer is always in your blood. I still am best friends with the girls I played with when I was 10. We have been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows together. We are raising our kids together and I am lucky enough to coach my own. Soccer is not only a game its a lifestyle.