Bill Tierney needs no introduction. He’s won NCAA titles, a World Championship, Ivy League Titles, coached some of lacrosse’s most historic players and teams, and was most recently named Person of the Year by US Lacrosse. A genuine legend to the sport and profession of coaching, he’s often referenced in regard to his sideline intensity and tactical genius (Lest we forget that he strategically revolutionized the game by coordinating intricate defensive schemes with a slow-down style of methodic and purposeful offense). However, little attention has been paid to the efforts he puts into developing his teams, his players, his staff, and himself. Now that he’s packed up the wagon and blazed a trail west, how will he mold the Pioneers into a national contender? What’s going on behind the scenes at the onset of the Tierney era at UD?

The Foundation

Tierney credits the players and his staff for making a smooth transition to a new outlook and culture: “The players have taken to the newness of everything . . .we haven’t done a heck of a lot.” He emphasizes that the players are open and eager to learn, and that much of what’s taking place is the result of a shared enthusiasm for a fresh approach. He also speaks of the value of his young assistants, crediting their playing ability, willingness to relate to and talk with the players, and progressive ideas for getting the team to make a wholesale commitment to his approach to the game.

One Story at a Time

Tierney is no stranger to throwing on his hard hat and constructing programs of national prominence. His foundation is comprised of the talented people he surrounds himself with, and then they work together to build. In always aiming skyward, he focuses on key concepts that seem to take the team ever higher, one story at a time.

Ground Floor – Individual Excellence

At Denver, he set out to renew the players’ commitment to academics early on. By stressing the value of succeeding in the classroom, sending assistant coaches to sit in on classes heavily attended by players, and instituting mandatory study halls, he’s working to instill a mindset of excellence that transcends the playing field. Early indicators suggest that the efforts are paying off. The team GPA has already risen nearly half a point, an almost 12% increase from the previous semester.

First Floor – Team Cohesion

Tierney is also determined to build a close knit and cohesive team. While he detailed a list of efforts designed to bring the players closer together that range from creating senior-freshman mentor pairs to encouraging players to hang out off the field, one specific effort stood out. For Tierney’s second team meeting, he invited the varied support staff and personnel that the players and coaches would be working with. He took time to introduce trainers, conditioning coaches, academic support staff, managers, etc., and said, “Everyone in here is on this team.” He asked the players to treat everyone with respect, and emphasized that everyone in the room would be playing a vital role in achieving the team’s goals.

Third Floor – Staying Fresh

Tierney is resolute in the idea that the “key to long-term success is making sure you’re current.” He wants to grow, and models the development he demands from his players. Sure, discipline is essential to Tierney, “Discipline gives players excuses not to screw up.” To this end, his players can blame their coach for playing it safe, not going out on Friday night, or passing on senseless risks. But, true to his authoritative core, Tierney pushes progress and encourages evolution. While he admits that he never could have foreseen coaching a team that practices yoga twice a week, he’s open to its benefits. He is willing to stretch himself to get the most out of his team, and also defers to his assistants for progressive and inventive ideas, most recently giving Trevor Tierney time guide players through visualization exercises.

How high will they go?

With the lacrosse world watching Tierney’s Pioneers about as closely as Tag Heuer and Gillette are watching Tiger Woods, we’re all waiting wide-eyed and cautious. Can he do it again? Is lacrosse one step closer to being a mainstream sport as it grows out west? Is there soon to be a new mainstay on Memorial Day? Regardless, one thing is consistent: Tierney is doing it his way, at his pace, focused on his guys. For as much as he stresses the value of learning and staying current, we can all learn from Tierney. The master architect is at work once again, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll build.

http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2009/12/22/beyond-xs-and-os-tierney-pioneering-new-territory/#more-22889